Director of Accounting - Friendship Public Charter School

Friendship Public Charter School operates a thriving network of college preparatory public charter schools. Headquartered in Washington, DC. Friendship serves over 4,800 students in preschool to grade 12 and guides a growing network of alumni to college completion annually.  Our mission is to prepare students to become ethical, literate, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens by providing a world-class education that motivates students to reach high academic standards, to enjoy learning, to achieve success, and to contribute actively to their communities. For 25 years, with the support and guidance of our exceptional faculty, our students have risen to the challenge with high graduation rates, college acceptances and unparalleled success academically and socially.

Please note the salary range is $120,000 - $170,000 contingent on relevant experience and education. 

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer (Deputy CFO), the Director of Accounting is responsible for the oversight of all accounting and reporting activities for Friendship’s Community Office which supports all Friendship campuses; 15 campuses; and all bond, finance, tax, and real estate transactions. The Director of Accounting works closely with the Deputy CFO and CFO and supports the development of presentations and reports for the finance team, board, executive team and campus leaders, auditors and lenders. This individual also works with the entire Financial Management team, Community Office personnel, and campus-based teams.

The Director of Accounting will lead the day-to-day accounting operations of the Community Office and 15 campuses with a total operating budget of more than $100 million. The Director of Accounting is responsible for overseeing the accounting for all real estate and financing transactions. The Director of Accounting has functional responsibility over all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration. The Director of Accounting has two direct reports and supervises a team of two (2) staff members with external support.

Accounting Leadership

• Consistent with the organizational priorities, develop, analyze, and make recommendations relating to accounting and financial systems to ensure effective and efficient financial operations.
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP and/or GASB standards charter authorizer policies and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the accounting department to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functions to ensure fidelity of data and timely monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting.
• Analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner, clearly communicate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; monitor progress and changes and keep CFO abreast of the organization’s financial status.
• Oversee all program and grants accounting and reporting; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets throughout the grant/fund period.
• Oversee the payroll function and related systems.
• Oversee the full coordination of all the audits and the gathering of required audit information, IRS Form 990 preparations and filing activity.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication and keep the CFO informed of all accounting issues.

Team Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a large team of accounting professionals.
• Leverage strengths of the current accounting team members, help to clarify roles and responsibilities and develop and implement training programs in order to maximize and reach optimal individual and organizational goals.
• Together with Finance team and Deputy CFO, obtain clean audits for all entities for each fiscal year.

Skills and Experience

• Solid knowledge of accounting principles and practices as demonstrated by holding active CPA license.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as well as Governmental Accounting Standards (GAS) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements.
• Current knowledge of nonprofit accounting best-in-class operations, including audit best practices and charter authorizer, state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations.
• Knowledge of financial compliance and risk management including but not limited to statutory and regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations.
• Communication skills capable of presenting accounting and financial requirements to program.
• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills; ability to prioritize and demonstrate an appropriate sense of urgency.
• History of successfully implementing/integrating systems, policies and protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to work and lead project teams. 

Minimum Requirements

• MA degree in Accounting (needed if no CPA)
• CPA preferred
• Public accounting experience preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years experience with at least 5 years in a management role. 
• Non-profit sector experience preferred.
• Experience in K-12 education preferred.
• Experience in real estate financing for schools and non-profit entities preferred.
• Superior detail orientation balanced with the ability to see the “big picture.”
• Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment.
• Proven track record of success managing and coaching others.

FPCS’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, status as a special disabled veteran, or any other protected criteria as established by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to recruitment and hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Employment decisions at FPCS are based solely upon relevant criteria, including an individual’s capabilities, qualifications, training, experience and suitability.