Staff Accountant

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

The Staff Accountant plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health and operational integrity of Uncommon Schools by managing the accounting functions for multiple schools within our network. Operating out of our Home Office, this position supports our mission by maintaining robust financial record-keeping and reporting systems that ensure resources are accurately tracked and maximized for our students. By overseeing essential daily financial transactions and generating key financial statements, the Staff Accountant provides the critical data needed for strategic organizational oversight. This role acts as a vital bridge between school operations, network leadership, and external partners, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance across our growing community.

Duties & Responsibilities

General Ledger & Financial Reporting

• Manage accounting functions for multiple schools, maintaining accurate financial record-keeping and reporting systems.
• Ensure precise recording of financial transactions in the general ledger and execute necessary adjusting entries.
• Prepare and post journal entries, including comprehensive monthly and yearly closing entries, and perform monthly ledger reconciliations.
• Produce accurate and timely monthly accrual-based financial statements, including balance sheets, profit/loss statements, and transaction reports.

Transaction Oversight & Reconciliation

• Oversee transaction workflows for accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts, and cash disbursements.
• Reconcile and manage organization credit card expenses efficiently.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and proactively investigate and resolve any unusual items.
• Review philanthropy and grants received, recording them in accordance with non-profit accounting rules as needed.

Compliance, Asset Management & Audit Support

• Maintain up-to-date fixed asset records and associated depreciation schedules.
• Maintain monthly rent and lease schedules, updating them annually or per contracted terms, and record lease adoption entries following GASB 87 regulations.
• Prepare accounting records, work papers, and documentation to support outside accountants for 990 filings and annual audits.
• Maintain and enforce organizational fiscal policies, procedures, and internal control guidelines.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Systems Support

• Act as a reliable liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including schools, the Home Office, bankers, and vendors.
• Lead and execute annual system training for users utilizing the Workday platform.
• Conduct necessary research to support strategic team initiatives, special projects, and other specialized accounting requests.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Experience: 1–2 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in MS Excel (including functions like VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables) and the broader MS Office Suite.
• Core Competencies: An in-depth understanding of accounting principles and a strong ability to read, understand, and identify issues within financial statements.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focused attention to detail and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: 3–4 years of combined experience in accounting, with specific experience in non-profit accounting, fund accounting, Uniform Guidance, or working with external auditors being a plus.
• Industry Context: Prior experience working within a multi-site organization or K-12 public education environment.
• Systems: Advanced experience with ERP and accounting software, with a strong preference for Workday, Sage Intacct, or NetSuite.
• Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of non-profit accounting rules applicable to donations, grants, and GAAP lease standards.

Physical Requirements

• Minimal physical demands, with the ability to sit at a desk for prolonged periods.

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation for this position

The full compensation range for this role is $67,300-$79,200. Typically, new hires who fully meet all qualifications listed in the job description will start at $71,300. Starting compensation below this reflects candidates with less experience or qualifications. Offers near the top end of the range are reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the qualifications, bringing extensive experience and specialized expertise beyond what is listed.

Compensation determinations consider relevant professional experience and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Additionally, because we value internal growth and tenure, current staff members are not subject to salary caps within this range.

Benefit Highlights:

• 19 days of paid time off
• 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.