Senior Accountant

Newark, NJ
BRICK Network Positions /
Full-time /
On-site
OUR MISSION
 
BRICK is on a mission to support families from pre-cradle-to-career through holistic support, excellent schools, and clear pathways to college and career. By creating a comprehensive network of services, we are righting the wrongs of racial and economic inequality and paving the way for families to forge futures abundant with opportunity, wellness, and joy
 
OUR VISION
 
BRICK envisions a world of racial and economic justice, where every child and family has the support they need to learn, achieve, and work towards a fulfilling life of personal and collective prosperity.
 
To learn more about BRICK, please visit https://www.bricknetworks.org/
 
 
Overview
 
Role: The BRICK Charter Management Organization is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Senior Accountant / Finance Generalist to join our lean but high-performing finance team. This role is critical to ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations across all BRICK entities. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing month-end close, consolidating
financials, supervising AP, and maintaining rigorous internal controls.
 
Success in the role is measured by the metrics below:
 
6-Month Success Metrics
1.     Closes monthly books across all entities by the 10th business day, fully reconciled with <2% error rate.
2.     Prepares accurate budget-to-actual reports by the 15th business day, including clear variance explanations.
3.     Reduces reliance on external consultants for standard close processes, taking full ownership of monthly close.
4.     Keeps all reconciliations current and audit schedules up-to-date, cutting prep time for auditors by at least 25%.
 
Annual Success Metrics
1.     Completes year-end close within 30 days post fiscal year-end, with reconciliations fully tied out.
2.     Supports a clean audit (unmodified opinion) with no significant deficiencies.
3.     Identifies and implements at least three process improvements that streamline month-end close, reporting, or internal controls.
 
 
 
Essential Functions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
·       Perform monthly and quarterly closings across five entities (GAAP and fund accounting environments).
·       Lead general ledger maintenance, journal entries, and reconciliations (bank, credit card (inter-company).
·       Prepare and consolidate financial statements and reporting packages for internal and external stakeholders.
·       Coordinate and prepare audit schedules and work papers for annual audits and compliance reporting.
·       Review and post bi-monthly payroll into accounting system to ensure proper tracking of gross salaries for the payroll period.
·       Support AP Specialist and guide bookkeeping activities.
·       Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and tracking of grants or restricted funds.
·       Ensure compliance with GAAP, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
·       Maintain the chart of accounts and manage QuickBooks Online configurations across entities.
·       Support process improvement efforts and documentation of standard operating procedures.
·       Liaise with consultants, auditors, and external contractors.
·       Review and post bi-monthly payroll into the accounting system to ensure proper tracking of gross salaries for the payroll period.
·       Other duties as assigned
 

Qualifications:
·       Strong technical accounting background and experience with multi-entity consolidations.
·       QuickBooks Online proficiency is essential.
·       Strong written and verbal communication skills.
·       High attention to detail and a commitment to producing error-free work.
·       Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
·       Achievement Focus – Sets high standards, follows through on objectives, and exceeds expectations.
·       Communication – Clearly expresses financial data and processes to non-finance audiences.
·       Planning and Organization – Demonstrates a methodical approach to accounting procedures.
·       Problem Solving – Proactively addresses discrepancies and supports improvements to systems and workflow.
·       Education/Experience: required: Bachelor;s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA or MPA a plus); five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit, charter school, or public accounting.
·       Experience with both GAAP and fund accounting environments preferred.
·       Language Ability: Read, analyze, and interpret business, technical, and government documents. Write professional reports and clearly communicate with cross-functional teams.
·       Mathematical Ability: Calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, and allocations. Apply basic algebra and percentages accurately in financial analysis.
·       Reasoning Ability: Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Use sound judgment in managing financial issues in a multi-entity environment.
·       Computer Skills: QuickBooks Online required; Excel proficiency including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and reconciliations. Google Workspace and document management systems preferred.
·       Current authorization to work in the United States – A candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
·       Reliable transportation.
·       Ability to some work late nights and weekends.
·       An eagerness to set ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals, and a relentless drive to achieve them.
·       An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges.
·       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong public speaking skills.
 

Salary, Goals and Employment Period
·      Salary Range:  Based Upon Experience / Performance Contract              
·       Employment Period: Twelve Months/Eleven Months
·       Fringe Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401 K (BRICK, SWPN, Buffalo)
 
 
BRICK is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category.  BRICK promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.
$60,000 - $100,000 a year