Accounting Manager – Head Start (Purchase)

Family Services of Westchester, Inc. (FSW) provides mental health and social services that strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of their lives. Serving 30,000 people a year, including 20,000 children, with nearly 50 innovative programs, including counseling, education and support, FSW is a pillar of health in the Westchester community, here to create hope, restore dignity and connect families with the resources to get back on track.

JOB SUMMARY:

Family Services of Westchester is currently seeking an Accounting Manager – Head Start for their Accounting Department.

The Accounting Manager – Head Start provides fiscal oversight and reporting on financial information for the Head Start/Early Head Start Programs. The Accounting Manager – Head Start is responsible for assisting in budget preparation, monitoring, execution, revisions, as well as implementing and maintaining an inter-departmental system for managing procurement, control of goods and services, and cash deposits associated with administration of the Federal Head Start and Early Head Start grants.

POSITION TITLE:  Accounting Manager – Head Start

STATUS:  Full-time

SALARY:  $70,000.00 to $75,000.00

SUPERVISED BY:  Controller

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist, review, revise and adjust, monitor and control the budget and other components of the grant to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines mandated by the grantor.
• Assist in monitoring and interpret grand budget data and prepare monthly financial reports.
• Knowledge of accounting principle, practices, and methods within the Head Start Program.
• Monitor expenditures and accounting transactions involving program funds including monthly reconciliations.
• Develop spreadsheets, reports, and effective reporting techniques and review with Senior Vice President, Early Head Start Programs and Site Administrators.
• Prepares program budgets and financial reports with a complete understanding of the Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Administrative and Cost Principles for federally funded programs, and other funding source requirements, operational requirements, cost to enrollment model, allowable costs and in-kind or matching contributions.
• Provide information to and assist in the development of recommendations to the Policy Council or Finance Committee.
• Plans and directs Head Start fiscal activities including the preparation, review, and verification of requisitions, in-kind contributions, reimbursements, invoices, accounting documents, procurement documents, payroll, and contracts.
• Assists in the development of the annual Head Start/Early Head Start budgets to include basic and supplemental program services.
• Prepares grant revenue and expenditure projections used in budget development and other financial planning activities.
• Examines grant activities for compliance with management plans and granting agency policies.
• Monitors grant related expenditures, revenue, and budget and reports any inconsistencies with the approved budget and management plan to the Head Start Manager.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for questions regarding Head Start/Early Head Start related financial procedures, reporting and budget questions.
• Sets up and maintains Head Start budget account structures in accordance with division and federal rules and regulations.
• Reconciles accounting records, prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual grant reimbursement reports and submits to the federal grant awarding agency.
• Maintains complete and accurate grant files with agency authorizations, reports, and expenditure documentation.
• Supports inter-departmental coordination with other staff responsible for budget and financial matters to ensure aligned practices and equitable resourcing across early childhood programs.
• Prepares cost analysis, monthly and annual budget reports, and makes presentations to individuals and groups (Finance Committee, Parent Policy Council, and regional Head Start Funding Office) about current fiscal status and actual versus planned expenditures.
• Analyze laws, regulations, legal opinions and decisions, procedures, and rulings, recommended changes in operating procedures or similar kinds of related events for their impact on the Head Start program effectiveness and costs, and to remain abreast of future or current matters affecting the Head Start Program.
• Understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations as they pertain to accounting, budgeting, and auditing procedures.
• Understanding of the principles and techniques of analysis and research, utilizing statistical measures and projections.
• Familiarity with operating policies, priorities, and procedures of the federal, state, and school district.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

SKILLS

• Working knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping procedures; ability to analyze data/financial records and maintain complex and confidential automated financial records and reports.
• Working knowledge of office management functions including strong computer and technology skills (proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) competing demands and determining priorities independently.

EXPERIENCE

• At least three years increasingly responsible and progressive experience in government or general accounting is required.
• Good working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices, and grants accounting and reporting techniques and methods required.
• Experience with federal grants financial management practices and federal cost principles.
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, fiscal management, or a related field required.
• COVID-19 VACCINATION IS REQUIRED

There are a variety of benefits to joining Family Services of Westchester, an organization with over 65 years of history impacting vulnerable communities. In addition to the opportunity to connect with and help thousands of residents in Westchester County, FSW offers its employees an inspiring, diverse and team-based work environment with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) and generous paid time off.

At FSW, we enjoy working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and value the benefits of a diversified workplace that prioritizes our clients and the communities we serve. If you want to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people across the communities of Westchester, and if this Accounting Manager – Head Start position speaks to your capabilities, experience and commitment to social service, please complete the online application on Indeed.com, upload your resume and cover letter with salary requirements. Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and/or email.

To apply, please email resume to Renee Tucker:  renee.tucker@fsw.org