Assistant Controller / Accounting Manager

Vertex Education • Chandler, AZ

1d

About The Position

Be the one who makes a difference! At Vertex Education we are a team of high achievers, courageous leaders, and passionate believers in changing lives through education. As a purpose-led education services provider, our mission is destined to benefit many and yet it starts with just one person inspired to work together with us to make a memorable and meaningful difference for our clients, schools, students, and communities. Be the one who makes a difference—with us. The Accounting Manager is a key part of a dynamic and growing organization with over 25 legal entities and significant transaction volume, conducted in not-for-profit (501(c)3) legal entities. The Accounting Manager reports to the Director of Accounting and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the accounting department, which handles the accounting for Vertex's client, Legacy Traditional Schools (which has 27 campus locations in Arizona, Nevada, South Carolina and Texas). This includes direct supervision of the accounting team. The Accounting Manager will be a strong and engaging leader and a strategic thinker who will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The Accounting Manager should also be willing to be hands-on and detailed when the situation requires.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Accountancy, or a related field of study from an institution of higher learning or relative experience.
• Ability to obtain a Level One IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• 5+ years of experience in accounting.
• Experience in a multi-company environment.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with strong Excel skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, team-oriented focus, and ability to deal with a wide variety of personalities and learning styles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills and decisiveness.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and be a strong team player.
• Drive for continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Active CPA license (preferred but not required).
• Workday experience is a plus.
• Experience in the education industry is a plus but not a requirement.
• Not-for-profit accounting experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Daily/Weekly Accounting Activities: Manage day-to-day accounting operations for Legacy entities. Proactively coordinate with and participate on a team that consists of the Director of Accounting, AP Manager, FP&A Manager and their other direct reports to define and accomplish goals. Also interact with and support other Vertex and Legacy leaders as needed. Provide guidance and training as needed to the accounting team and cultivate a positive and engaging environment where team members are valued and have opportunities to learn and grow. Maintain relationships with banks, bond trustees, auditors and campus staff.
• Monthly & Quarterly Accounting Activities: Oversee month-end close, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations and account analysis, ensuring completion within 5-6 business days. Administration of company purchase cards. This includes setup, balance inquiries, limit increases, user deactivation, and enforcement of purchase card policy. Ensure grant compliance and proper accounting. Manage preparation of budget-to-actual variance analysis with FP&A team. Implement process improvements and chart of accounts optimization. Review quarterly reporting for both bond trustees and investors and state authorities.
• Annual and Ad-Hoc Accounting Activities: Work in coordination with the Director of Accounting and accounting team to assist external auditors with information needed for annual audits of each school entity, primarily providing a clean trial balance along with clear and detailed supporting workpapers. Assist in the preparation and review of the Annual Financial Reports (AFRs), which are school-specific financial summaries as required by the state each school is located. Maintain policies and procedures documentation. Improve and automate accounting activities to ensure team efficiency and effectiveness improves over time. Perform special projects as directed by the Director of Accounting or CFO.
• Supervisory and Managerial Responsibilities: Lead and develop a team of 3-5 direct reports. Provide day-to-day tactical and strategic support to team with accounting and ERP knowledge.

Benefits

• Enjoy industry-leading pay, rewards, referral bonuses, with unlimited flexible paid time-off for performance.
• Be able to care for your health and your family with comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits and invest in your future with 401(k) plans with a 6% employer match on your contributions.
• Enhance your growth and development with mentoring and money to take training classes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager