Choice Schools Associates is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Associate Accountant to support the financial operations of our public school academies. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate financial records, timely reporting, regulatory compliance, and strong fiscal stewardship across our schools.

The ideal candidate is curious, teachable, organized, and committed to accuracy. They build trusting relationships with school finance directors and approach their work with integrity and accountability.

Success Statements

• My partnerships with the finance directors are trusting, accountable, and purposeful.
• I collaborate with my peers to continuously improve our function area and am a trusted member of the school finance team.  
• My monthly finance responsibilities are completed accurately and on time, allowing for accurate financial reporting and sound fiscal decision-making. 
• Monthly deliverables are completed using the established protocols and are without error. 
• I remain teachable and coachable in my learning. 
• I adhere to a high ethical standard and work hard to behave in accordance with the company’s core values and industry best practices.

Job Goal

This role, designed as a progression from entry-level accounting, is a key member of the finance team ensuring accurate, compliant financial records and supporting reporting that drives informed decision-making across the organization.

What you'll do

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepares financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP and internal policies.
• Prepares annual and interim financial reports by collecting and organizing relevant data and documentation. 
• Conducts variance analysis for assigned accounts and explains discrepancies.
• Analyzes financial data and trends to support decision-making and forecasting efforts.
• Supports the Directors of School Finance with budget creation. 

Accounting Operations

• Maintains general ledger accounts, prepares journal entries, and reconciles various accounts monthly to ensure accuracy.
• Supports the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepares monthly bank reconciliations. 
• Processes accounts payable and receivable transactions, ensuring accurate coding and timely payments.
• Prepares GAAP basis valuation schedules.

• Assists with bank relationship support as directed by the Director of School Finance. 
• Provides backup support in collecting check signatures as directed by the Director of School Finance. 
• Works with school vendors to reconcile payment discrepancies.
• Conducts payroll reviews to ensure accurate financial reporting of payroll activities. 

• Participates in assigned audits by preparing schedules, submitting documentation requests and communicating with external auditors.
• Ensures compliance with internal controls and financial reporting standards.
• Ensures all financial activities adhere to local, state, and federal regulations and public school academy-specific guidelines and policies.

Grant Support

• Prepares grant reconciliations and gathers all supporting documents.
• Prepares draw request support as delegated by the Directors of School Finance.
• Prepares periodic grant reporting documents as delegated by the Directors of School Finance.
• Collaborates on grant compliance efforts with the Directors of Education & Development, State & Federal Programs Specialist, and school personnel.

Contribute to Continuous Improvement and Culture

• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement by regularly assessing financial processes, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and accuracy, and, in partnership with the Directors of School Finance, proactively implementing solutions that enhance the overall effectiveness of the accounting function. 
• Strives to contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence, making meaningful improvements that positively impact the organization.
• Consistently uphold and promote the organization's core values, serving as role models for ethical behavior and fostering a collaborative and aligned work environment.
• Upon request, serves in the Director of School Finance’s absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Directors of School Finance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field 
• Three or more years of accounting experience
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and practices, including GAAP.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate openly & effectively as a finance team member
• Good moral character, sound judgment, and high integrity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• General knowledge of school or government accounting is preferred.  
• Proficiency in accounting software and MS Excel.
• Ability to understand basic internal controls and company policies.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize workload.

About Choice Schools Associates

Choice Schools Associates LLC is an Education Service Provider for charter schools in Michigan and is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.