SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

CCSSO Mission and Work Values  

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, the Bureau of Indian Education and the five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that all students participating in our public education system -- regardless of background -- graduate prepared for college, careers, and life. Our work values include Excellence, Service, and Trust. CCSSO’s work values express our shared beliefs of how we work together in this organization to live our mission, achieve the best outcomes for ourselves and serve our state members. 

Position Summary 

The Senior Accountant is responsible for leading the organization, implementation, and oversight of financial operations and accounting processes within the Council. This includes oversight of the Accounts Payable and Cash functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing and recording of financial transactions. In addition to managing day-to-day transactional activities, this role ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations, performs high-level reconciliations, and serves as a subject matter expert and direct point of contact for colleagues on Council financial operations. This role also supports the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes to enhance operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities      

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and organizational policies; assist with implementing new accounting policies and procedures. 

• Accurately record, report, and analyze financial transactions while identifying and implementing process improvements. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for auditor requests and manage confidential financial information. 

• Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivables, including invoice distribution, monthly journal entries, and reconciliation support. 

• Administer the corporate card program and provide backup support for weekly check runs and payment scheduling. 

• Manage monthly account reconciliations. 

• Review and approve staff expense reports; provide backup support for employee setup and expense report reconciliation. Final approval on all expense reports. 

• Record payments when needed, apply payments to invoices, and support month-end close procedures. 

• Maintain liaison responsibilities with former executives, including handling invoicing and payments related to sponsorships. 

• Perform additional recurring and ad hoc financial duties such as semi-annual reviews, annual filings, and other tasks as assigned. 

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• 3-6 years of accounting/finance experience
• Demonstrate intermediate to advanced skills and knowledge of Excel, as well as other Microsoft Office applications and Zoom
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with accounting software
• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate effectively across the organization
• Thorough knowledge of general ledger accounting and account reconciliation
• Highly detail-oriented

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities       

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), with experience using internet browsers for research.   

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interpret instructions, contracts, and financial data. 

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to present information effectively to both internal and external clients. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, focusing on troubleshooting and applying industry best practices. 

Physical Demands  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Work Environment  

This is a remote work position, but employees may be required to attend in-person meetings periodically.   

As a remote-first organization, we offer the flexibility to work from anywhere in the continental US. Employees are equipped with the latest technology and receive a home office setup allowance.    

Our team connects via regular virtual meetings and maintains a strong sense of community through online collaboration tools. We prioritize work-life balance and encourage a positive attitude towards achieving personal and professional goals. 

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $84,127-$102,921 with competitive retirement and health care benefits which include but not limited to:

• medical, dental and vision coverage at affordable rates
• short term disability, long term disability and life insurance covered 100% by CCSSO
• 12 paid holidays
• generous PTO and sick accrual
• generous 401K employer contribution of 10%