Head Start Accountant

Description

Position Summary
The Head Start Accountant provides fiscal management, compliance oversight, and technical support for the Head Start program. This role ensures accurate tracking and reporting of all financial transactions, including budgets, grants, and in-kind contributions, and works closely with program leadership to align expenditures with federal, state, and agency regulations. The Head Start Accountant will also manage in-kind contribution processes and collaborate with the program team to track professional development expenditures for teaching staff.

Essential Functions
General Fiscal Responsibilities
•    Prepare and manage annual Head Start budgets, including basic, training, technical assistance, and supplemental programs.
•    Monitor program expenses, track budget activity, and prepare financial projections to prevent overspending.
•    Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial reports to funding sources, Policy Council, and the Board of Directors.
•    Collaborate with program leadership to prepare grant applications and budget amendments, including development of narratives and financial projections.
In-Kind Contributions Management
•    Develop and implement systems to track and document in-kind contributions, ensuring compliance with federal and grant-specific requirements.
•    Provide training and technical assistance to staff and partners on in-kind policies, tracking, and reporting processes.
•    Regularly analyze in-kind data, reconcile discrepancies, and prepare in-kind reports for submission to funding agencies and stakeholders.
•    Coordinate with program staff to identify new in-kind opportunities and align contributions with programmatic goals.
Professional Development and Technical Assistance
•    Track professional development expenditures for teaching staff to ensure alignment with the approved budget.
•    Collaborate with the training team to monitor spending on technical assistance and professional development activities, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
•    Provide fiscal oversight for training initiatives, ensuring proper documentation and cost allocation.
•    Work closely with program leadership to forecast future training and development costs, integrating them into budget planning.
Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Compliance
•    Manage accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accuracy and compliance with fiscal policies.
•    Review and verify timesheets, payroll, and leave balances to ensure accurate processing and proper allocation of funds.
•    Ensure compliance with federal procurement regulations, maintaining records of bids, quotes, and contracts.
Reporting and Analysis
•    Prepare cost analyses, monthly and quarterly financial reports, and presentations for program leadership and external stakeholders.
•    Provide financial insights to support strategic planning and decision-making.
Other Responsibilities
•    Maintain and update standard operating procedures for fiscal operations, including in-kind tracking and professional development reporting.
•    Ensure compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, reconciling food purchases and production logs.
•    Maintain confidentiality and adhere to agency standards of conduct.
•    Perform other duties as assigned by the CFO or Head Start Director.

 

Qualifications

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements
•    Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
•    Two years of experience in accounting, budgeting, or finance.
Preferred Experience
•    Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and non-profit accounting.
•    Knowledge of grant management, including federal fiscal regulations.
•    Experience managing in-kind contributions and/or tracking professional development expenditures.
Skills and Abilities
•    Expertise in accounting principles, budgeting practices, and financial analysis.
•    Proficiency in financial software, Excel, and general ledger systems.
•    Ability to analyze financial data, generate reports, and communicate findings effectively.
•    Strong organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail.
•    Ability to train and support staff in fiscal policies, in-kind tracking, and professional development processes.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
•    Office-based with occasional travel for training or job requirements.
•    May require lifting to 30 pounds and working in a moderate to loud environment.

AAP/EEO Statement
CAFI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAFI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
CAFI expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAFI’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
 

Salary : $26 - $30