Accounting Manager

Job Description

New Haven Ecology Project / Common Ground High School is Seeking an Accounting Manager

Full-Time position

Location
:
New Haven, CT

Common Ground is a center for environmental learning in New Haven, Connecticut. “Farm meets forest meets city” on Common Ground’s 20 acre campus at the base of West Rock Ridge. The site abuts the 1800 acre West Rock State Park, sharing hiking trails, wildlife, and diverse natural habitats with the surrounding forests. Common Ground’s urban farm produces sustainably grown food for programs and our community and is home to friendly farm animals.

Common Ground’s Charter High School uses the site as an organizing principle of its curriculum which is guided by an ecological framework highlighting the connection and interdependence of all living and non-living things. Each year, more than 10,000 community members participate in festivals, field trips, after-school programs, and other educational opportunities on site. For more information visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

New Haven Ecology Project Inc. (NHEP) is the 501c Non-Profit Entity that includes an Urban Farm, Environmental Education Center and a Public Charter High School (CGHS). NHEP and CGHS have two completely separate Quick Books and Payroll Systems. Due to state and federal regulations, the finances for these entities must be tracked and audited separately but do live under one Tax r.

Many of the tasks listed below are performed individually for each side of the organization and each side of the organization has different regulations/norms that must be followed to ensure continued success.

The Accounting Manager serves in the following capacities:

Supervises:
Staff Accountant; liaises with YPTC (Your Part-Time Controller) and external accountants/auditors.

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the organization while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in accordance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, donor restrictions, and Connecticut state requirements. This role combines strategic financial oversight with hands-on accounting and administrative responsibilities, supporting organizational leadership, program teams, development staff, and the Board of Directors.

• Oversee daily accounting operations including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, and month-end and year-end close.
• Supervise the Accounting Assistant and coordinate closely to ensure accurate, timely processing of transactions and financial reporting.
• Serve as the primary banking contact, reviewing bank activity, reconciling accounts, and closely monitoring organizational cash flow.

• Works to prepare timely and accurate monthly financial reports, including statements of financial position, activities, and cash flows.
• Perform variance analysis against approved budgets and present financial insights to leadership.
• Ensure all required reports are prepared and submitted to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.

• Lead the annual budget development process in collaboration with the Executive Director, Budget Managers, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor program and departmental budgets throughout the year and support leaders with budget tracking and financial planning.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and scenario planning.

• Track grant and donor-restricted funds to ensure proper expense allocation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Support the Development team with monthly and quarterly grant drawdowns and financial reporting.
• Close out grant funds annually by June 30, ensuring compliance with funder and state requirements.
• Support state and federal education reporting requirements, including coordination on the State of Connecticut Educational Financial System (EFS), desk audits, and related updates.
• Prepare SPED billing for suburban districts on behalf of Common Ground High School.

• Lead financial data collection and preparation for the annual organizat