Accounting Manager - Entry Level Controller

Charter School Specialists, the premier Education Service Provider serving Ohio Community Schools, is seeking qualified candidates for the open position of Compliance Coordinator

Position: Accounting Manager/Entry Level Controller

About Charter School Specialists

Charter School Specialists is a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting high-performing charter schools through comprehensive operational, financial, and administrative services. We partner with educational leaders to ensure strong financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Position Overview

The Accounting Manager role is an entry level c ontrollership role and serves as the senior financial leader responsible for the integrity of financial reporting, oversight of accounting operations, and delivery of strategic financial insight to executive leadership and the Board of Directors. This role combines hands-on leadership of the accounting function with mid-level financial strategy. The Accounting Manager will ensure accurate financial management, maintain strong internal controls, and support organizational growth through data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accounting & Financial Operations:
• Lead and optimize all accounting functions, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll and General Ledger
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes
• Maintain and continuously improve accounting systems, processes, and controls
• Provide backup support for the bookkeeper on payroll and all accounting functions
• Financial Reporting & Analysis:
• Prepare and present accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Deliver clear, actionable financial insights to executive leadership and the Board
• Monitor key financial metrics and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with leadership
• Develop and maintain rolling forecasts and cash flow projections
• Analyze budget-to-actual performance and provide variance explanations
• Cash & Investment Management:
• Oversee cash management strategy, including liquidity planning and reserve management
• Provide recommendations to leadership and the Board on cash reserve allocation and investment strategies
• Internal Controls & Compliance:
• Establish and maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard assets and minimize risk
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal tax regulations
• Maintain policies and procedures aligned with best practices
• Audit & External Relationships:
• Lead all external audit and review engagements, serving as primary liaison to auditors and CPA firms
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of audit schedules and supporting documentation
• Strategic Leadership:
• Serve in a supporting role to the CEO, President and Board on financial strategy and organizational performance
• Support long-term planning, growth initiatives, and operational decision-making
• Board Support:
• Prepare and present financial reports and materials for Board meetings
• Maintain strict confidentiality of financial and organizational information
• Human Resources & Administrative Oversight:
• Provide oversight of employee benefits administration, retirement plans, and compliance related HR functions in coordination with third-party administrators
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes from a financial and compliance perspective
• Team Leadership
• Supervise and develop accounting staff, including the bookkeeper and future accountant(s)
• Provide mentorship, establish performance expectations, and ensure accountability

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field
• CPA or CMA strongly preferred
• 5+ years’ experience as a Controller, Accounting Manager or similar senior level accounting role
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards, ERP systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; specifically, Excel
• Experience managing audits and working with external auditors
• Experience in nonprofit, education, or public-sector environments preferred

Key Competencies:

• High integrity and sound judgment
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present to executive leadership and Boards

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check in accordance with State of Ohio requirements for individuals working with public schools

Compensation & Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and paid time off
• Bonus structure/ESOP participation, etc.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role within a mission driven organization. The Controller will play a critical role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening operational performance, and supporting the long-term success of the schools and communities we serve.

Interested applicants should send a letter of interest along with your resume to [email protected] for consideration

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person