Director of Accounting

• Company Description The Center for Literacy & Learning is a Louisiana-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing literacy and learning through evidence-based practices in classrooms, homes, and communities. Founded in 1992 as the Center for Development and Learning (CDL), the organization has a long history of supporting educators, families, and learners across the state. In September 2021, it adopted its current name to better reflect its expanded mission and holistic approach to literacy and learning. The Center collaborates with a wide range of partners to promote effective teaching strategies and equitable access to high-quality educational resources. Team members join a mission-driven environment focused on improving literacy outcomes and lifelong learning opportunities.

Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Director of Accounting is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of The Center’s accounting and financial reporting. The position leads day-to-day accounting operations, financial close and reporting, budgeting support, grant and contract accounting, audit preparation, and internal controls. The Director provides clear financial information to leadership and helps ensure compliance with organizational policies, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and applicable funding requirements.

Position Description & Core Functions

Fiscal Management & Accounting

• Record, classify, allocate, and summarize financial transactions in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and organizational policies.
• Maintain the general ledger and lead monthly and year-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, receivables, payables, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, deferred revenue, and payroll-related accounts.
• Reconcile bank, investment, credit card, and balance-sheet accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Oversee billing, collections, vendor payments, cash receipts, employee reimbursements, and other accounting transactions while maintaining appropriate documentation and approvals.
• Maintain confidentiality, accurate accounting records, and a complete audit trail.

Financial Reporting & Budget Support

• Prepare timely financial statements, budget-to-actual reports, cash-flow forecasts, grant reports, and other analyses for the Vice President of Operations, leadership, Finance Committee, and Board.
• Analyze material variances, financial trends, liquidity, receivables, and restricted and unrestricted resources and communicate issues requiring attention.
• Work with the Vice President of Operations and organizational leaders to prepare the annual operating budget, forecasts, and grant or contract budgets.
• Ensure financial reports reconcile to the general ledger and are presented clearly and consistently.

Audit, Internal Controls & Systems

• Coordinate accounting support for the annual financial statement audit, preparation of Form 990, a Single Audit when required, and other financial or grant compliance reviews.
• Prepare reconciliations, schedules, confirmations, and supporting documentation requested by auditors and track open items through resolution.
• Maintain and improve internal controls, accounting procedures, access to financial systems, accounting workflow documentation, and financial record-retention practices.
• Administer and improve QuickBooks and related accounting, reimbursement, credit card, and expense-reporting processes.

Qualifications

• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in good standing.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including substantial responsibility for general ledger accounting, financial statements, reconciliations, and monthly and year-end close.
• Experience with nonprofit, grant, contract, fund, or restricted-fund accounting, or demonstrated ability to apply strong technical accounting knowledge in a nonprofit environment is preferred.
• High level organization and attention to detail, skilled at managing competing priorities, and adept at working fluidly across diverse program areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Highly proficient, excellent knowledge in applications including QuickBooks and Microsoft 365.

Physical Demands/ Requirements

• Flexible work hours depending on operational and programmatic needs, with most falling during the standard workday; evening and weekend hours may also be required
• The ability to see, speak, hear, write, and move to execute job responsibilities at The Center office and in the broader community
• May require extensive walking, lifting, and/or moving of materials and equipment up to 50 pounds, and standing for long periods of time
• Minor travel in-state (Louisiana) and out-of-state may be necessary

Environmental Conditions

• Spend time both in the office and in the field
• Must have reliable, insured private transportation
• Must pass extensive criminal background check