Higher Ground is bringing on a Director of Accounting Operations to lead all aspects of its day-to-day accounting operations. Our organization is scaling quickly (including a network of 120+ schools with 2,800+ staff). We’re looking for an individual to lead a team managing all aspects of accounting operations, including efficient processing of a large volume of transactions, ensuring accounting close timelines are achieved and providing exemplary service as a shared service center supporting the broader organization and its mission. We are looking for a leader who can maintain focus on the big picture, and also be willing to delve deep into transaction details as the situation demands. This position reports to the Vice-President, Finance.

Higher Ground Education operates in an ever-changing landscape that values adaptability in response to market and strategic changes. All team members must be ready and excited to adapt and go outside of their lane and typical roles and responsibilities. If you’re excited about working in an entrepreneurial environment and building a flexible and robust accounting operation that enables widespread change in education today, this role is for you.

The Director of Accounting Operations will work closely alongside Higher Ground’s financial reporting and FP&A teams to support and scale our accounting processes. Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Manage, support, develop and participate in growing the Accounting team, currently consisting of [13] team members
• Oversee deadlines, reconciliations and reviews within the overall monthly close, quarterly close and annual audit processes
• Oversight and management with respect to all aspects of payment processes for accounts payable, refunds, expense reimbursement, debt and lease administration
• Develop and maintain high quality accounting and internal control systems
• Deliver exemplary customer service as a shared service supporting both central and regional operating levels of the business, including expense reporting, petty cash, credit card maintenance and other ad-hoc requests
• Ensure daily cash reconciliation, recording and forecasting
• Coordinate with team members across Finance and cross-functionally to help drive process, efficiency and technology enhancement projects within the accounting team

We’d love to talk to you if you have…

• 10+ years of experience in accounting or a related field, ideally in a multi-entity company
• Mastery of accounting fundamentals, including strong knowledge and understanding of GAAP
• Knowledge and understanding of internal and external audit processes
• Drive to build something, including a propensity to constantly look at processes to find ways to make them more efficient, collaborative and scalable
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, incl. ability to assess a situation by gathering facts and evaluating data, and hard skills with Excel, Sage Intacct, and/or other tools
• Rigorous attention to detail; ability to think big and small picture
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration; MBA is a plus! CPA certification is strongly preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to deliver customer service within a shared services environment
• A passion for education and an affinity for our mission – to unlock the potential of each child