Lead GL Accountant

Aspire Public Schools • Oakland, CA

4d

About The Position

The Lead GL Accountant supports Aspire NorCal’s accounting period close and reports to the Controller. The role has end-to-end responsibility for investments, bonds, fixed assets, work-in-process (WIP), prepaid expenses, leases, and accounts payable (AP) accruals. In collaboration with the AP Manager and Controller, the Lead GL Accountant helps ensure compliance with fiscal policies, partners with the CFO, Controller, and directors of key home office functions on finance initiatives, and provides leadership to accounting staff and school team members.

The position also supports the new Service Level Agreement under which Aspire NorCal will provide finance, accounting, and payroll services to Aspire LA. Aspire NorCal’s provision of these services is expected to be covered by a multi-year agreement; if the agreement is not finalized, renewed, or ends early, the department may be reduced and the position may be affected. Employment with Aspire is at-will.

The role is full-time and exempt. The salary range is $91,232 to $117,116 annually, commensurate with experience. Work location and in-person expectations are still being finalized. The job posting states that Aspire is studying its employee value proposition, which could lead to material changes in July 2027.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting or Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting.
• At least 5 years of accounting experience as a Staff or Senior Accountant.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with multiple accounting software systems.
• Excellent financial analytical skills and thorough knowledge of accounting.
• Solid experience with financial statement reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate, resolve discrepancies, and communicate fiscal policies.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, time management, and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to research complex problems and provide cost-effective, time-efficient solutions.
• Ability to work independently, recognize when to escalate, and exercise excellent judgment with confidential information in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Flexibility to learn new technology and applications.

Nice To Haves

• Nonprofit accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and procedures used in a nonprofit environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform accounting responsibilities for assigned functional areas, including reviewing transactions, recording journal entries, reconciling accounts, resolving discrepancies, managing related inquiries, and preparing year-end audit schedules.
• Implement and carry out accounting procedures in accordance with GAAP, applicable laws, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
• Manage and implement processes for monitoring bond and banking covenant compliance and reporting to agencies and banking partners as required.
• Assist in maintaining accounting policies, internal controls, and safeguards of assets.
• Assist in coordinating the annual financial audit, including preparing work papers and liaising with auditors.
• Direct and prepare filings for government regulatory agencies, including property tax exemption and sales and use filings.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance leadership to improve existing processes and systems.
• Prepare and review journal entries as needed.
• Improve and simplify Aspire’s accounting approach through sustainable, scalable solutions and technology that eliminates inefficiencies while maintaining high accuracy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and support Aspire Public Schools’ mission, vision, and values, including antiracism; uphold confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Support the new Service Level Agreement under which Aspire NorCal will provide finance, accounting, and payroll services to Aspire LA.

Benefits

• Eligible for Aspire health benefits.
• Retirement through CalSTRS or CalPERS, depending on the role’s credential requirements, with a 403(b) option.
• Paid time off.
• Additional teammate benefits to be determined in accordance with an updated employee value proposition to be shared before an offer.

What This Job Offers

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