Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The Organization

For over 55 years, Urban Community School (UCS) has served Cleveland's children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters' tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of students. Serving nearly 800 children from 6 weeks old through 8th grade, the school uses restorative practices and conscious discipline to foster growth and community. Accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), UCS enrolls a student body in which seventy-six percent of families are economically disadvantaged.

Our growing 15-acre campus in the Ohio City neighborhood is home to a vibrant mix of facilities and partners. The Roundstone Athletic Center features the Glick Family Fieldhouse and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The campus also hosts The MetroHealth System, House of Champions, Urban Squash Cleveland, USA Lacrosse, Re:Source Cleveland, and Facing History and Ourselves. Outdoor spaces include Doyle Field, a new Little League field, along with a sports mini-pitch, basketball court, lacrosse field, three playgrounds, and learning garden.

UCS is a recipient of the 2022 Top Workplace Award from The Plain Dealer, which is based solely on employee feedback. UCS has also been recognized as one of Cleveland's City Champions by The Plain Dealer, a National Green Ribbon School for Environmental Practices and Learning Model, and a School of Excellence by the Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation.

The Position

The Finance Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations of the finance department, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all accounting and reporting activities. This role oversees the Finance Team and supports the Chief Financial Officer in maintaining sound financial systems, controls, and processes that advance UCS's mission.

The Finance Manager plays a key role in managing reconciliations, reporting, loan and tax filings, and audit preparation, while ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and monthly close.
• Prepare or review journal entries, account analyses, and variance reports.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data within QuickBooks and other systems.
• Support the preparation of monthly financial statements and internal management reports.
• Serves as liaison to third-party benefit administrators
• Maintain the chart of accounts and document retention systems.
• Reconciles all bank accounts monthly.

Accounts Receivable Cash and Treasury Management

• Oversees and processes all accounts receivable invoicing and collections.
• Receives all checks delivered to the School by mail or in person and deposits them remotely.
• Monitors cash balances and initiates transfers as needed;assisting CFO with cash forecasting.
• Grants and Gift Management - Support monthly reconciliation of grants, gifts and endowment funds. Monitor spending and track use of stewarded and restricted funds

Oversight and Leadership

• Direct and supervise daily accounting services including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and accounting staff, ensuring consistent quality, accuracy, and adherence to deadlines.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented finance team that supports staff across the organization.
• Provide training, feedback, and cross-coverage to ensure continuity of operations.

Compliance, Reporting, and Audit

• Lead preparation for annual audit and 401(k) audit.
• Prepare and submit required reporting for loans, grants, and tax filings.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls, GAAP standards, and nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Develop, recommend, and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls to strengthen financial management and reporting.
• Knowledge of accrual accounting and fund accounting is integral to success in this role.

Government Support and Food Programs

• Prepares, and files financial reports for all public funded programs. Including but not limited to Administrative Cost Reimbursement, Early Childhood Education Grant, Universal Pre-Kindergarten grant, Head Start and other government reports as needed.
• Manages financial application and reporting process for food programs, including NSLP and CACFP. Manages budgets and financial compliance for these programs.
• Manage Federal Title Funding applications and budget tracking

Budgeting and Financial Support

• Support CFO in development of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial analysis.
• Provide timely and accurate information to department leaders for decision-making.
• Assist with preparation of monthly financial statements and other grant and restricted fund reporting.

Systems and Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and documentation of financial processes.
• Maintain organized, up-to-date files and digital records for all accounting and payroll documentation.
• Serve as point of contact for key systems and vendors (QuickBooks, Paycor, Excel, Raiser's Edge).

Competencies

• Commitment to Mission: Demonstrates a strong passion for and alignment with the mission of UCS, actively incorporating the organization's values into daily work and decision-making.
• Management & Team Development: Builds a reliable, high-performing team by developing others and managing work with clarity and care.
• Detail Orientation & Accuracy: Ensures accuracy at the system level; reviews others' work for completeness.
• Ownership & Initiative: Anticipates team needs; creates tools and processes that make the team more efficient.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Coaches and supports team members; ensures collaboration between Finance, HR, and Development.
• Technical/Finance Skills: Deep accounting knowledge; translates data into insights for management.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required
• CPA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Experience in a nonprofit or school setting preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting software (QuickBooks preferred) and Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to walk significant distances and climb stairs throughout the day as the campus is situated on several acres with 2 buildings, ranging from single story to two stories, along with 5 campus partner facilities.
• FBI/BCI background check required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience ($80,000 - $85,000 per year)
• 401(k) with a generous employer contribution and match
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life insurance and AD&D
• Short and long term disability coverage
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Tuition discount for students who attend UCS
• Educational assistance program (up to $2,000 per year)
• Casual work attire (denim and UCS spirit wear are welcomed)
• On-site fitness center for faculty and staff
• Financial and retirement advising at no cost to employees
• Opportunities for discounts on home, rental and auto-insurance

Additional Information

• Status : Full Time, Exempt
• Reports to (direct) : Chief Financial Officer
• Hours & Schedule: 40 hours/week; scheduled year-round

Urban Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Urban Community School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Urban Community School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

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