US-CA Los Angeles, CONTROLLER, Bright Star Schools 0857
FEATURED COMPANY: BRIGHT STAR SCHOOLS
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Position: CONTROLLER
Date: September 13, 2007
JOB #0857
Location: LOS ANGELES, CA
Status: Full-time
DESCRIPTION: CONTROLLER, REPORTS TO PRESIDENT
BACKGROUND
Bright Star Schools (www.brightstarschools.org) is a growing network of charter middle and high schools in the mid-city area of Los Angeles. Founder Jeff Hilger, an alumnus of Teach for America, and a small group of concerned educators joined forces several years ago to create an organization that would provide families in the community an alternative to their local public schools.
After gathering support from a committed board of directors, community leaders and dedicated parents, the group gained a charter through the Los Angeles School District and in July 2003, opened the doors to Stella Middle Charter Academy at La Brea and Adams Boulevards. Stella Academy’s partnership with the community continues to grow and currently provides 330 students in the 5th through 8th grades with a top quality education and character building opportunities.
Within its fourth year of operation, Stella Academy was showing strong academic gains and was ranked 3rd in terms of academic performance among all of the (approximately 100) middle schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Bright Star leadership team realized the need to build on its successful school model to create additional educational opportunities for students in the community. Bright Star is now expanding its focus to include the development and operation of a network of schools committed to helping inner-city students build vibrant futures through education. In 2006, Bright Star’s second school, Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy, opened its doors to 100 9th – 10th graders and will continue to grow into a full high school. Bright Star’s strategic plan calls for the opening of 10 middle schools over the next six years.
OPPORTUNITY
The new Controller will play a critical part in supporting Bright Star as it manages its growing network of schools. In this “hands on” role, the Controller will serve as a key member of the senior team, providing advice and counsel on both long-term strategy and day-to-day financial operations to the management team and the Board of Directors. H/she will have fiscal oversight of the organization’s $5M annual operating budget. Bright Star is a financially stable, well-run organization that has had three clean audits. Because there isn’t currently a Chief Financial Officer at Bright Star, the Controller will report directly to the President and will have the opportunity to get involved in interesting, high-level projects that will significantly impact the organization.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Controller will be responsible for the following:
· Selecting, implementing and maintaining an efficient and effective accounting system
· Maintaining a system of internal controls and accounting that will ensure accurate reporting and recordkeeping are in compliance with all relevant laws.
· Compiling and analyzing financial data
· Preparing regular financial reports for the CEO, COO, CAO, the Board, Site Leaders and third parties, including comparisons to budget, trends, and ratios with analyses and recommendations as needed.
· Managing the budgeting process, including working with sites to develop annual budgets and utilizing approved budgets for reporting during the year.
· Managing cash, including preparation of bank reconciliations and recommending opportunities for improved cash flows
· Maintaining accurate accounting records for each site
· Preparing for external audits and serve as liaison to auditors
· Maintaining accurate inventory of all assets
· Maintaining reconciliations of balance sheet accounts, including supporting documentation as required by auditors
· Providing guidance to management with respect to making sound business decisions
· Providing budget training to site leaders
· Ensuring accurate and timely filing of tax returns as required by tax authorities
· Monitoring cash flows and balances on a regular basis
· Monthly closes
· Working with Los Angeles County to ensure all revenues are received timely and are accurate
· Preparing consolidated applications and other required compliance forms as required by CDE and other third parties
· Periodically reviewing processes to ensure that accounting policies and procedures are being followed
· Completion of loan, grant applications as needed
· Preparing 1099’s
· Overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable and purchasing, including maintenance of vendor relationships
· Overseeing payroll, including assurance that time sheets are accurate and all earnings and withholdings are in accordance with employee contracts and government laws. Also ensuring accurate and timely reporting of retirement contributions to Los Angeles County
· Providing guidance and support to accounting staff and site personnel as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
· Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Fund accounting
· Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems
· Ability to provide professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
· BS in Accounting or Finance; CMA, CPA or MBA preferred
· A minimum of five years relevant accounting experience
· Proficiency with accounting software, MS Office and Excel
· Excellent financial and organizational skills
· Financial systems implementation/migration experience desired
· Solid analytical, communication, influencing and negotiating skills
· Ability to communicate and cooperatively work with a diverse group of people in a dynamic, growing organization
· Experience or interest in working in urban public education
COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION:
To apply please email your resume to:
Mollie Mitchell
President
The K12 Search Group, Inc.