About Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA)

The mission of Communities in Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA) is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Founded in 2007, CISLA works toward a vision that every student in Los Angeles’ public schools receives the supports they need to develop the emotional, social, and learning skills required to graduate high school ready for meaningful employment or higher education. 

Currently serving 12,500+ students at 14 Los Angeles public schools, CISLA seeks a highly qualified Accounting Manager to join our team!

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Job Description

CISLA seeks a dedicated, detail-oriented accounting professional with strong nonprofit finance experience to serve as Accounting Manager. The Accounting Manager will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining the general ledger, supporting audit readiness, and strengthening accounting processes to support departmental efficiency and effectiveness in a multi-funded environment. Our ideal candidate will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, partnering across departments, and contributing to a mission-driven, collaborative culture.

The Accounting Manager reports directly to the Chief Finance & Operations Director and works closely with finance, operations, development, program, and executive leadership teams.

CLASSIFICATION

Full-time, Exempt 

REPORTS TO

Chief Finance & Operations Director 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

General Ledger, Close & Balance Sheet Integrity (35%)

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts
• Prepare journal entries and reconcile all balance sheet accounts
• Manage monthly and year-end close process
• Maintain accounting schedules and documentation
• Monitor cash activity and key balance sheet accounts for accuracy

Financial Statements & Reporting (20%)

• Prepare monthly financial statements and internal reports
• Produce budget-to-actual reports and variance explanations
• Support CFOD in preparing board financial materials
• Monitor trends and flag financial risks early

Grant & Fund Accounting (20%)

• Track restricted and unrestricted funding accurately
• Maintain grant allocations and cost structures
• Review spending for compliance with funding requirements
• Prepare grant financial reports and maintain documentation

Audit & Compliance (15%)

• Coordinate the preparation of audit schedules and documentation
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors on accounting matters
• Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Support Form 990 preparation and reporting compliance

Systems, Process Improvement & Organizational Support (10%)

• Strengthen accounting workflows and documentation
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting accuracy and efficiency
• Support financial system improvements
• Coordinate with Operations Coordinator on invoicing workflow
• Provide guidance to staff on coding and financial procedures

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of nonprofit accounting experience
• Demonstrated fluency with QuickBooks Online, including ownership of full-cycle accounting, reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
• Strong knowledge of general ledger management, monthly close, and balance sheet integrity
• Experience preparing financial statements and supporting audit schedules
• Familiarity with nonprofit GAAP, grant accounting, restricted funds, and multi-funding environments
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort working across accounting and financial reporting systems
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance staff

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience improving accounting processes or systems
• Experience in tech-forward environments with integrated online finance and data systems

NOTE: This position is currently remote (90%) with occasional on-site meetings, site visits, and other events in the Los Angeles area (10%). Local candidates only.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal background check required.
• TB clearance, to be renewed every four years. 
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required (digital record).
• This role may require regular travel between school sites and community locations. Candidates must be able to meet transportation requirements necessary to perform these duties, which may include use of a personal vehicle and maintaining legally required auto insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• To perform this job, you must be able to carry out all essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job. 
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds. Must have the ability to communicate with others to exchange information. 

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL COMMUNITY IN SCHOOLS OF LOS ANGELES STAFF

Candidates for employment at Communities In Schools of Los Angeles, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following: 

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Communities in Schools of Los Angeles. 
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues. 
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development. 
• Ability to thrive as a member of a highly collaborative team. 

BENEFITS

• Generous benefit package including: PTO/vacation, medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, cell phone reimbursement, etc. 
• Paid most major holidays, offices closed between Christmas and New Year’s. 

We offer a starting annual salary in the range of $85,000 to $95,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

CISLA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.