Description

Founded by Purdue University in partnership with community, industry, and academic leaders, Purdue Polytechnic High School prepares students to succeed in technical, STEM-related post-secondary programs and high-tech careers.

It is our mission that through STEM-focused and real-world experiences, we empower students to create the world they envision by developing the minds of creative problem-solvers and skilled achievers.

Purdue Polytechnic High School inspires students to pursue their passion through the lens of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), hands-on and project-based learning, industry partnerships, and a flexible, personalized learning environment.

We aspire to create a world of equity where every student has the opportunity and access to achieve their goals and to realize their power to solve problems they encounter. We are intentional about building a culture of communication, collaboration, and innovation that creates a positive and supportive environment conducive to high academic achievement and long-term success.

Job Summary

Manages the accounting operations of PPHS Schools and the central office including budgets, analysis, auditing, production of periodic financial reports including statutory reporting to state and federal agencies. Responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records while operating under a comprehensive set of internal controls designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the School’s reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Supervise and manage staff responsible for overall school budgeting, accounting, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable. The Controller will work closely with school leadership, central office staff, and school operational staff to enhance and ensure compliance with the School’s fiscal and accounting processes and to provide input to improve organizational operational effectiveness.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

General:

• Support PPHS fiscal operations and organizational growth through ownership of overall financial health, maintaining and improving financial systems, and minimizing financial risk
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems to ensure accuracy and full compliance with appropriate GAAP standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices
• Manage and coordinate annual external audit each year
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local compliance accounting and reporting requirements
• Maintain organization’s Fiscal Policies and Procedures as well as an annual reporting calendar; ensures organizational compliance through internal auditing and training
• Supervise Accounting department staff and strive for professional development; create quarterly and annual goals and development plans as well as support and provide hands-on training to meet those goals
• Manage semi-monthly payroll process and ensure accuracy of personnel records in third party payroll system; maintain adequate controls for timesheet process and paying employees
• Stay apprised on national and state educational laws and trends that pertain to charter school finance and budgeting

Financial Statements:

• Close each month’s financial records within 30 days to deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to school leaders and the central office in support of the internal budget management process
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are fully reconciled and discrepancies are resolved prior to issuing internal and external financial reports 
• Maintain adequate internal controls and safeguards of cash, federal/state grants, and actual expenditures and provide recommendations for improvement

Budgets:

• Responsible for maintaining and updating budget in collaboration with school leadership to meet fiscal goals
• Advise administrators of historic actuals and remaining balances, identify and resolve discrepancies and revise as needed to remain in compliance with established policies and procedures
• Collaborate with school operational staff to enhance understanding of budget and actuals; create training opportunities for operations

Other Duties:

• Work collaboratively with overlapping functional areas, such as HR and Grants Management, within the larger organization to streamline and improve programs for all students
• Support the training of all PPHS staff involved in finance with content and systems training that improve overall ability to deliver on-time, accurate financial information (e.g., internal systems, procedures/policies, etc.)
• Facilitate and lead professional development, as needed
• Collaborate with stakeholders to build a department that operates within legal boundaries and supports student achievement
• Respond to urgent communications in a timely manner
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform every essential duty satisfactorily. It is a requirement that an individual must meet the background check requirements necessary to work in an Indiana public charter school.The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability necessary to succeed in this position. 
Education & Experience:

• Five (5) years of experience leading the accounting and financial reporting duties with a charter school organization or Indiana non-profit preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

Skills & Ability:

• Well developed, clear communication and interpersonal skills that encourage a respectful, professional and courteous working environment
• Conflict resolution skills 
• Exceptional accounting and record keeping ability
• Excellent organizational skills
• Team player with flexible, adaptable approach to work
• Systems builder looking to develop strong, clearly defined procedures and protocols across the entire organization
• Able to communicate effectively and consistently with senior leadership
• Organized, detail-oriented, and demonstrates ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Able to communicate effectively with differing views and objectives and employ problem-solving skills
• Highly proficient in utilizing accounting systems (Intacct preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of federal charter school grants preferred
• Work independently with minimal direction

Work Environment

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (up to 20 lbs).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account - Dependent Care
• Employer HSA contribution
• Wellness Reimbursements
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Retirement plans
• Paid Time Off