Lead Accounting Specialist - Communities In Schools North Carolina

About Communities in Schools of North Carolina:

At Communities in Schools, we are “all-in” for kids. It is our passion-- it is our mission. As the State Office for North Carolina, we deliver CIS programs across the state and we collaborate with local affiliate organizations, to provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. Communities In Schools is the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, serving 1.5 million students in 2,400 sites across the country. We achieve this mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who have a passion for what we do. At CISNC, we value relationships, collaboration, learning, integrity and commitment.

Position Overview:

The Accounting Specialist reports to the Vice President of Finance (VP Finance) and works closely with members of the Finance and Human Resources (HR) teams. This person works with a high degree of independence to support colleagues, third parties, and the mission of Communities In Schools of North Carolina (CISNC) by managing and performing tasks related to key accounting operations. These areas include but are not limited to:

• payroll,

• cash deposits and disbursements,

• compliance with state and federal employment and tax regulations,

• employee and vendor record setup and maintenance, and

• compliance with fiscal policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate will be curious, have a flexible mindset, exercise good judgement in executing their responsibilities, and seek opportunities for continual operational improvements.

Location and core business hours:

CISNC Raleigh office

Core business hours: M-F 8:30AM-5:00PM

Essential Functions:

• Support CISNC’s mission by ensuring that its financial records are accurate and complete. While fulfilling responsibilities, employ strong attention to detail and deadlines as well as effective and cooperative communication.

• Prepare and process payroll in-house, calculating all necessary deductions and withholdings using MIP nonprofit accounting software. Initiate employee direct deposits. Remit withholdings and deductions to appropriate entities. Prepare, file, and distribute quarterly and annual tax filings.

• Monitor bank accounts and make all necessary entries for cash receipts, disbursements, and transfers.

• Deposit checks using remote deposit capture.

• Ensure that accounts payable and other cash disbursement transactions are processed accurately and promptly. Prepare 1099s for independent contractors. Maintain vendor database in the accounting system.

• Prepare recurring invoices, such as those for school district contracts, and fulfill other ad hoc requests for invoices, such as those related to fundraising events.

• Perform quality review of and code select invoices, such as those from CISNC affiliates, before submitting the invoices to management for final review and approval.

• Review and reconcile invoices and statements, such as those related to employee health insurance and company-issued credit cards. Code and record activity to the general ledger.

• Manage company-issued credit cards and related processes, including opening and closing accounts, monitoring and managing account limits, as well as reviewing, reconciling, and recording monthly activity. Support employees with resolution of issues as needed.

• Prepare semi-annual sales tax refund filings. Monitor refund status and follow up with the NC Department of Revenue as needed to ensure full collection of refunds due to CISNC.

• Maintain tables in the HR module by creating and updating records as needed, for example when there are new hires, employee status changes, and updates to leave and benefits.

• Uphold and enforce the organization’s fiscal policies and procedures and provide training for staff. Provide recommendations regarding future policy revisions.

• Gather information and run reports to support internal, compliance, and other reporting needs.

• Support the annual external financial statement audit and other reviews by providing requested information and responding promptly to questions.

• Identify and recommend process improvements. Maintain written end user procedures documentation so it reflects current operating procedures. Partner with the Finance and HR teams on system enhancements and / or implementations.

• Other responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Necessary Skills:

• Payroll and accounting operations work experience.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including strong customer service orientation and effective oral and written communication skills.

• Self-motivation and the ability to make decisions independently.

• Ability to manage or participate in multiple concurrent projects.

Core Competencies:

Accountability & dependability, communication, creative & innovative thinking, ethics & integrity, interpersonal skills, planning & organization, results focus, and valuing diversity.

Job Specific Competencies:

Customer focus, decision making & judgement, fiscal accountability, initiative, and problem solving.

Required Education/Experience:

• An associate or bachelor's degree in accounting or related field or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years of relevant, general accounting experience.

• 5+ years of experience working with payroll, with demonstrated ability to work independently.

• Knowledge of payroll related regulations and experience fulfilling related obligations.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Familiarity with nonprofit accounting, systems, and operating environments.

• HR module administration.

• Cash management experience.

• Fiscal policy and procedure development, improvement, and / or training facilitator experience.

• Demonstrated process improvement and / or system implementation experience.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Criminal background check and pre-employment drug test required. Financial credit check and driving record check required, if applicable.

Learn more at www.cisnc.org, and stay connected with CISNC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law (referred to as "protected status").