Director of Operational Accounting: Central Management Office

Mission Statement:
Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

Equity Vision Statement:
Uplift Education proactively engages scholars, families, and staff members to thrive as their authentic selves and partner in the journey required to identify, address, and correct existing and potential inequities.
     
Primary Purpose:
The Director of Operational Accounting is a leader on the Financial Services Team accountable for payroll and accounts payable processes that ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, Board policy and administrative regulations and procedures. The Director of Operational Accounting will lead the team managing day-to-day payroll and accounts payable functions of the central office and its 45 schools. This role is responsible for overseeing accounting operations and reporting activities and supports various teams throughout the organization to resolve payable issues. The Director is the key point for collaboration within the Financial Services Team and across departments related to projects involving accounts payable and payroll.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manages and oversees daily operations of accounting including payroll, tax-related tasks (W2, 1099 forms), accounts payable, travel and expenses, and accounting customer service
• Leads, coaches, and mentors a team of 8 payroll and payable associates that manage all payroll related accounting transactions and inquiries to provide accurate and efficient payroll services to our 2500+ staff and all accounts payable operations
• Responsible for all payroll and payable tax activities, compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and ensuring timely filings of each jurisdiction’s periodic returns
• Supports and guides internal functional areas on matters related to vendors and accounts payable
• Oversees timely and accurate processing of team’s transactions and reporting, manages team’s work distribution, reviews work in progress, promotes team’s delivery of outstanding customer service, and manages month-end close activities
• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve the team’s operational processes while maintaining strong financial controls
• Manage and coordinate ongoing, end-to-end change management plans for implementation of key accounting processes and procedures
• Create and maintain team metrics to track progress and drive performance; Answer payroll and payable-related questions and resolve issues
• Maintain knowledge of legal requirements and government reporting regulations effecting payables, payroll, payroll tax, and garnishment
• Develop a strong working relationship with accounting and finance peers, central office team leads and campus leaders that promotes collaboration and sets a positive team culture
• Assists and supports with annual financial audits
• Complete special projects and perform other duties as assigned

Education, Experience, and/or Certification(s)

• Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting required
• Experience Requirements: Minimum of 5 years of experience public accounting and/or operational accounting environments; experience managing payroll for exempt and non-exempt employees required; knowledge of TRS reporting and payroll experience in a public school system a plus
• Special Skills/Certifications: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Communication Skills: Mastery of both oral and written English with the ability to write general correspondence.
• Bilingual Skills: N/A
• Technology: To perform this job successfully, an individual should be competent using financial management software (e.g. SAP) and payroll system knowledge. Experience with Frontline (TEAMS) ERP preferred. Passionate about leveraging technology to improving accounting processes.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).

Work Environment: Standard office environment with occasional travel as needed. 

Starting Salary: $90,000

Application Procedure:
Apply online
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
 

Uplift Education is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state or local law.