Director of Accounting (Immediate Opening)

Director of Accounting

Mission:

As Director of Accounting, you will provide accurate and timely financial information to IDEA stakeholders as well as to ensure compliance with federal and state financial reporting and compliance guidelines for all entities. The Director of Accounting reports to the Managing Director of Accounting. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly manage staff accountants and accounting clerks. 

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

• Up to 20% of the time during the busiest parts of the year 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Drive strategies to complete month end close for all entities by the 10th business day for all entities. 
• Analyze and re-engineer business processes to achieve business goals related to the Accounting Department.
• Ensure grant spending and grantor payments are on-track in partnership with the Advancement and Compliance Team and other Finance Teams across all entities. 
• Review and approval of payroll registers and payroll liability invoices for all entities before these are processed for payment. 
• Actively participate with the accounting and payroll teams to create an environment of trust, respect and encouragement. 
• Ensure no reportable instances of material noncompliance in Financial Reporting and Compliance during the Annual Financial Audit. 
• Serve as a business partner to managers within the organization to ensure proper business processes are followed. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and approve journal entries and cash receipts submitted by Staff Accountants and Accounting Clerks.
• Review and approve Statement of Financial Position reconciliations prepared by Staff Accountants, monthly, to ensure proper supporting documentation is provided and amounts are following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Texas Education Agency Financial Accountability System Resource Guide.
• Review Statement of Activities (for transaction classes) monthly to determine reasonableness of amounts, detect potential errors and analyze significant variances.
• Review Balance Sheets by Fund on a quarterly basis to determine reasonableness of amounts, detect potential errors and analyze significant variances
• Identify technical problems and develop solutions to support business objectives 
• Analyze and identify business process optimization 
• Manage and mentor cross functional team to successfully execute business projects 
• Ensure that an adequate project plan is developed to implement the new business process 
• Collaborate with Department Leaders to plan and lead improvement projects 
• Serve as the expert on grant compliance and interpretation of relevant federal requirements including EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance, as well as other related Federal and State regulations and legislation and board policy
• Lead high level monitoring and reporting of IDEA’s grant portfolio (philanthropy, state & federal)
• Conduct monthly check-ins with external and internal evaluation partners on progress towards the agreed upon scope of work, milestones and deliverable
• Drive strategies to prepare and post journal entries related to Payroll as identified in the Month End Close Processing Checklist
• Review and approval of account reconciliations related to Payroll Liabilities by the dates outlined in the Month End Close Processing List.
• Review and approval of payroll deduction invoices for Accounts Payable processing and process payments that must be made via wire transfer.
• Collaborate with the Payroll Department, Position Control, and Grant accountant to identify and process account code changes identified in review.
• Support the timely and efficient execution of personnel actions
• Process payment of payroll registers timely.
  Collaborate closely with the payroll department to review and approve all payrolls timely
• Inform payroll department of discrepancies that need correction
• Collaborate with the payroll department to project annual payroll expenses and accuracy.
• Drive Strategies between payroll, position control, accounting and budget departments to reconcile: Federal and State grant rosters to position control; TRS variances by employee and track adjustments as correction are made
• Communicate with IDEA senior leaders about overall progress and engage as needed to provide guidance or accountability 
  Keep current on new and upcoming standards related to Financial Reporting and Compliance.
• Attend trainings related to Financial Reporting and Compliance provided by AICPA, TSCPA, TASBO, TEA and Region One.
• Update local Financial Reporting Manual to document current processes and controls over financial reporting as well as Local and Federal Grant policies and procedures.
• Ensure required inventory requirements are met for all entities.
• Provide guidance to managers regarding the allowability of activities according to IDEA’s charter as well as federal and state regulations.
• Provide guidance related to internal controls and segregation of duties to managers implementing new business processes.
• Facilitate training related to Fixed Assets. 
• Additional Duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Sound Decisions: This individual can coach others in decision-making and is involved in complex decision-making in line with their responsibilities. They use feedback and data to inform their decisions and with support, they consider the broader impact of their choices on those they work with.
• Manage Work and Teams: This leader is responsible for the overall performance and cohesion of their team. They build operating mechanisms, establish strategic plans, and implement project management systems that ensure that their team operates smoothly and achieves its targets. 
• Grow Self and Others: This leader is responsible for fostering a culture of growth within the team. They create opportunities for team learning, facilitate team development sessions, and ensure that team members have the resources and support they need to grow professionally. 
• Build Trust and Psychological Safety: This individual offers empathy and active listening to build deeper one-on-one relationships in their direct work with others. They are capable of coaching others and emphasizing importance of psychological safety in their interactions. 
• Communicate Deliberately: This leader prioritizes open channels of communication on their team. They facilitate team meetings, ensure clear dissemination of information, and encourage feedback loops within their teams to promote understanding and cohesion. 

Additional Skills:

• Non-profit accounting and auditing principles established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for Not-for-Profit Organizations
• Well-rounded knowledge of the following transaction classes:  Fixed Assets, Payroll, General Accounting, Intracompany Accounting.
• Evaluate accounting problems, develop data, and recommend improvement procedures
• Exhibits and cultivates high customer service centric approach to the accounting process
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, including PowerPoint, experience with Employee Information Systems, Enrollment Platforms, and other benefits databases.  

Required experience:

• Education: Bachelors degree required, accounting or finance-related field preferred
• Experience: 5 years professional-level experience in high volume, deadline critical accounting environment, preferably in school districts
   

Preferred experience:

• Experience: 5 years professional-level experience in high volume, deadline critical accounting environment, preferably in school districts 

Physical Requirements:

• This is a sedentary position. 

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $108,100 and $128,600, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values