Senior Accountant - Careers at Kokua

OUR COMPANY 

Teacher absences result in vast amounts of lost learning time for students, particularly in under-resourced schools. Kokua solves this problem by bringing together a growing network of passionate guest educators who are dedicated to leveraging this time with students.  With the pandemic only exacerbating teacher shortages across the country, Kokua is on a mission to help schools expand the pool of teachers available to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. We believe that proximity is power and one role model can change a life forever.  Join a dynamic, driven team looking to make a lasting impact for youth.

Kokua was started in Chicago in 2011 by former teachers and now services nearly 500 schools. We were recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Education list and we have exciting growth plans ahead in the coming years. This is where you come in.

YOUR ROLE 

At Kokua Education, we are looking for a strategic and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our growing team. This role is pivotal in driving the financial accuracy and operational efficiency of our organization. The ideal candidate will not only possess strong technical accounting skills but will also demonstrate a business-oriented mindset, capable of supporting the company's growth and contributing to our mission of excellence.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Financial Integrity and Compliance

• General Ledger Management: Oversee the accuracy and integrity of the General Ledger, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded in compliance with GAAP.
• Revenue and Cost of Sales: Manage and optimize the recording and reporting of revenue and cost of sales, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements.
• Accounts Receivable (A/R): Support the A/R function, ensuring timely billing and collections to maintain healthy cash flow.
• Accounts Payable (A/P): Support the A/P process, ensuring accurate and timely payment of vendors, and optimizing payment cycles.

1. Month-End Close and Financial Reporting

• Month-End Close Process: Execute and contribute to the month-end close process, including preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements. Ensure all deadlines are met with precision.
• Financial Reporting: Support in the preparation and presentation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to management.

1. Payroll Execution and Management

• Payroll Processing: Accurately process weekly payroll for all employees, including guest teachers, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Payroll Records: Maintain detailed and accurate payroll records, including garnishments, deductions, and benefits, ensuring timely and correct disbursements.
• Customer Service: Provide exceptional support to employees regarding payroll-related inquiries, demonstrating empathy, accuracy, and efficiency in resolving issues.

1. Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for improving accounting processes and systems to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and support the company's scalability.
• Internal Controls: Develop and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
• Ad Hoc Support: Provide flexible and timely support for ad hoc accounting and finance projects, demonstrating agility and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

1. Collaboration and Leadership

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments to ensure accurate financial data flow and alignment with business goals.

WHO YOU ARE

• Self-Starter and Organized: You thrive in environments where initiative and organization are paramount. Your ability to take ownership of tasks and manage them efficiently sets you apart.
• Detail-Oriented: You possess a keen eye for detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all aspects of your work.
• Proactive: Anticipating needs and taking proactive steps to address them is second nature to you. You are always one step ahead, ready to tackle challenges head-on.
• Collaborative Team Player: You understand the importance of teamwork and are willing to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different functions and teams. No task is too big or too small for you, and you're always ready to pitch in where needed.
• Efficient Communicator: Your communication skills, both written and verbal, are exceptional. You can convey complex information clearly and concisely, fostering effective communication within the team and across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or experience in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the accounting field.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite and particularly Excel, Quickbooks, and/or any other accounting software.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and general accounting functions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

Everything we do is driven by the belief that every child, given the proper learning environment, has a unique and powerful gift to share with the world.  We believe that exposing children to positive adult influences exponentially increases the likelihood of this outcome.  If you're looking for impact, and hungry to grow within a rapidly growing organization, we encourage you to apply!

This role is currently remote, but preference will be given to candidates in city/region due to the hours and context required to succeed in this role.