Staff Accountant

Uncommon Schools • New York, NY

10d

About The Position

The Staff Accountant manages accounting functions for multiple schools in Uncommon Schools’ network, operating out of the Home Office. The role maintains accurate financial records and reporting systems, oversees daily transactions, and prepares financial statements that help ensure resources are tracked and used effectively. It connects school operations, network leadership, and external partners while supporting fiscal responsibility and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• 1–2 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Strong proficiency in MS Excel, including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables, and the broader MS Office Suite.
• In-depth understanding of accounting principles.
• Ability to read and understand financial statements and identify issues in them.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Focused attention to detail and follow-through.

Nice To Haves

• 3–4 years of combined accounting experience.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, Uniform Guidance, or working with external auditors.
• Experience in a multi-site organization or K-12 public education environment.
• Advanced experience with ERP and accounting software, preferably Workday, Sage Intacct, or NetSuite.
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting rules applicable to donations and grants, and GAAP lease standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting functions for multiple schools and maintain accurate financial records and reporting systems.
• Record financial transactions in the general ledger, make adjusting entries, prepare and post journal entries, and complete monthly and yearly closing entries.
• Perform monthly ledger reconciliations and produce timely accrual-based financial statements, including balance sheets, profit/loss statements, and transaction reports.
• Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts, and cash disbursements workflows.
• Reconcile and manage organizational credit card expenses.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and investigate and resolve unusual items.
• Review philanthropy and grants received and record them as needed in accordance with nonprofit accounting rules.
• Maintain fixed asset records and depreciation schedules.
• Maintain monthly rent and lease schedules, update them as needed, and record lease adoption entries in accordance with GASB 87.
• Prepare accounting records, work papers, and documentation for outside accountants supporting 990 filings and annual audits.
• Maintain and enforce fiscal policies, procedures, and internal control guidelines.
• Liaise with schools, the Home Office, bankers, vendors, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and execute annual system training for users of the Workday platform.
• Conduct research to support strategic team initiatives, special projects, and specialized accounting requests.

Benefits

• 19 days of paid time off.
• Three weeks of paid winter and summer organization-wide holidays.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 403(b) retirement savings program with employer match.
• Paid leave of absence options, including parental, medical, and disability leave.
• Mental health and counseling support and wellness benefits.
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health savings accounts.

What This Job Offers

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