Director of Accounting/Controller - Hybrid

Company: Vertex Education
Location: Chandler
Posted on: November 16, 2023

Job Description:

Director of Accounting/Controller - Hybrid page is loaded Director of Accounting/Controller - Hybrid Apply locations Chandler time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id R6246 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.

• POSITION OVERVIEW The Controller is a key part of a dynamic and growing organization with nearly 30 legal entities and significant transaction volume, which is expected to grow significantly over the next years. The Controller reports to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Accounting , Accounts Payable and Payroll, departments which handles the accounting for both Vertex Education, Vertex's long standing client, Legacy Traditional Schools (which has 27campus locations in Arizona, Nevada and Texas)., as well as future Charter School clients. The role will also include integration and accounting responsibility for future acquisitions this includes direct supervision of the Accounting Manager, AP Manager and Payroll Manager and indirect supervision of the entire Accounting Department. The Controller will be a experienced and engaging leader as well as a strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The Controller should also be willing to be hands-on and detailed when the situation requires. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Daily/Weekly Accounting Activities
  • Proactively coordinate with and participate on a team that consists of the Chief Financial Officer and the CFO's 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, AP and Payroll Departments and cultivate a positive and engaging environment where team members are valued and have opportunities to learn and grow.
  • Proactively lead the ongoing effort to identify accounting tools, technology, industry trends, and best practices to ensure that the departments functions at the highest level possible.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with relevant parties such as bankers, insurance professionals, and other charter industry professionals.
  • Oversee preparation of daily cash analysis and ensure that cash on hand is sufficient to meet obligations.
  • Develop and maintain a strong system of controls, including appropriate segregation of duties, over accounting transactions.
  • Maintain chart of accounts to correctly capture all financial activity. Monthly Accounting Activities
    • Oversee the month-end close, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations and account analysis, ensuring completion within 6 business days.
    • Assist with the accounting analysis of major capital projects (i.e. new school construction) for capitalization and entry into fixed asset software (BNA).
    • Control access to critical accounting software and on-line banking portals via administrative access.
    • Coordinate with other Vertex and outside personnel to ensure that federal grants received by the schools are accounted for in compliance with all applicable requirements.
    • Ensure that all third-party reporting to investors and bondholders is done in a timely and correct manner Annual Accounting Activities
      • Work in coordination with personnel from FP&A Department to assist external auditors with information needed for annual audits of each school entities, primarily providing a clean trial balance along with clear and detailed supporting workpapers.
      • Assist in the preparation of the monthly, quarterly, and yearly bond reporting, primarily by preparing timely and accurate monthly financial statements for the schools. This requires coordination with the FP&A manager and team.
      • Coordinate the gathering of information needed for external CPA firm to prepare all required income tax returns for all legal entities (mostly nonprofit, some for- profit).
      • Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting and tax filings, including property taxes, sales taxes, and Arizona Corporation Commission annual reports.
      • Oversee the annual general liability, property, and workers compensation insurance renewal, including gathering information needed, completing renewal forms, and analyzing options.
      • Assist in the preparation of the monthly, quarterly, and yearly bond reporting, primarily by preparing timely and accurate monthly financial statements for the schools. This requires coordination with the Director of Finance and Reporting and team.
      • Assist (as necessary) in preparing the annual budget with the Manager of Long-Term Planning and team (including cash flow and capital expenditure budgets), primarily by assisting to identify trends and insights into historical results.
      • Oversee the preparation of the Annual Financial Reports (AFR's), which are school-specific financial summaries required by the state each school is located in. Other Activities
        • Compile and maintain policies & procedure documentation.
        • Oversee and assist with multiple software implementation projects.
        • Work with outside software consultant to maintain and improve system.
        • Participate in Self-Directed Work Teams (cross-functional, temporary teams) when called upon for special projects that may arise.
        • Perform special projects as directed by CFO and executive team. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Education/Certification/Experience/Skills
          • Bachelors or higher degree in Accounting
          • 4 + years supervisory experience required
          • 10+ years of experience in accounting, with a minimum of 5 years of month-end/year-end close or audit activities
          • Major ERP experience (Workday, People Soft, NetSuite, MS Dynamics) is required
          • Previous controller experience is required
          • Active CPA license is required
          • Experience in a multi-company environment
          • Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
          • Proficiency in Microsoft Office with strong Excel skills. Behavioral Competencies
            • 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. BACKGROUND CHECKS
              • The incumbent in this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check
              • Must be able to obtain and hold a valid IVP Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card at all times PHYSICAL AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT
                • Travel between campuses is required from time to time.
                • This position requires the need to lift objects (up to 25 pounds) on occasion.
                • This position may require sitting for long periods at times, talking on the phone, standing, kneeling, stooping and long periods of concentration.
                • Local and multi state travel required. Be excited to be a part of our team and grow your career with us! Be the one who enables us to positively impact over 25,000 students across multiple states while driving our growth forward so we can enrich even more lives. Be the one who helps us achieve excellence for the 26 schools we support with academics, finance, technology, human resources, communications, marketing, facilities, construction, and food services. Be the one who is a diverse thinker, a team player, a smart risk taker, an innovator, and a difference maker by encouraging others to climb higher and reach farther to further education.
                  • Be yourself surrounded by wonderful people who care about you, value your unique skills, and lift you up.
                  • Be supported in your work by caring leaders and team members who want you to succeed.
                  • Be empowered to make a difference and climb higher and reach farther to change lives through education.
                  • Be well in all aspects of your life from your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing to your finances.
                  • 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.
                  • Thrive in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where we treat others with fairness and respect, celebrate diversity, and elevate equality and inclusion as an equal opportunity employer. Be the one who makes a difference! With an innovative mind, a hungry heart, and engaging spirit you can change lives through education. Be a part of Vertex Education and let's make a difference together. Apply Today! About Us Founded in 2007, Vertex Education is committed to changing lives through education by providing academic, business and development services to K-8 charter schools nationwide.
                    At Vertex , three core values form the foundation of how we work with each other -- and our clients. These values are characteristics and qualities we offer to our clients, and to one another as colleagues on our quest to change lives through education. We offer to all projects and relationships the embodiment of these values:
                    • Innovative Minds
                    • Hungry Hearts
                    • Engaging Spirits
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Keywords: Vertex Education, Chandler , Director of Accounting/Controller - Hybrid, Executive , Chandler, Arizona