Finance Associate

Finance Associate, Brooklyn, New York
In-Person Work Required
This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime
WHO WE ARE
Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned curriculum and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions to nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization, we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive-we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.
WHO YOU ARE
Explore Schools seeks a professional with a minimum of 1 year of experience in Accounting or Finance to fill in the role of Finance Associate. The ideal candidate thrives in a hands-off environment where you proactively problem-solve and propose solutions. You have superb organizing and prioritizing skills, meeting deadlines and staying on top of important details, as well as a strong working knowledge of Excel. The Finance Associate should enjoy collaborating in a team and supporting where needed. Additionally, you possess the following qualities:
Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced
Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues
Strong technical skills in Excel and meticulous data management abilities, required
Comfortable with technology, accounting software, and data entry
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrates the ability to accommodate a high level of responsibilities and multi-task
Reflective attitude: an ability to constantly reflect on personal areas of strength and growth
Flexibility: willingness to work in a changing field and face challenges with a positive attitude
Professional integrity: an alignment with the values and ethical standards of Explore Schools
Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience, preferred
1-3 Years of experience with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business, strongly preferred
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Finance Associate supports a dedicated team in charge of overseeing the Financial Management of our schools and network. You will contribute to proper reconciliation, filing for requests, and tracking of spending in order to keep Explore Schools within compliance. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Assisting with managing Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions as well as bookkeeping duties
Performing monthly credit card reconciliations across all entities
Maintaining accurate records of all financial transactions
Processing invoices, issuing checks and preparing for signatures/disbursement
Assisting in the preparation of financial reports
Supporting the process of enrollment reconciliation and special populations services reporting
Using accrual accounting for entries including correct dates and descriptions
Coding expenses using existing chart of accounts and most recent budget
Researching required document discrepancies with client and/or vendors
Communicating with vendors to resolve disputes, correcting billing errors, providing tax-exempt documentation, and providing other information and analysis as necessary
Assisting with the preparation and analysis for annual financial audits
Providing support to Finance team and partake in ad hoc projects as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more.
The incoming salary range for a Finance Associate is $50,000-$60,000. This is our good faith range at the time of posting.
Incoming salaries are determined based on experience and internal equity.
Because we value staff members staying in their roles over time, we do not currently cap salary ranges and this is the range for incoming staff members only.
This is the base salary and does not include additional compensation opportunities, such as signing bonuses, additional time worked pay, stipends, leadership opportunities, and additional pay for specialized certifications and advanced degrees.
Additionally, you can expect:
A comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, employer-paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and more!
Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning
Our school-based staff also receive:
Professional development: weekly PD, year-round retreats and training, and ongoing coaching by professionals
Continued education support: staff are eligible to receive scholarship funds towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition
Our ESI Staff also have the opportunity to seek out and attend professional development, have a supervisor committed to their growth and development, and are eligible to apply to our staff scholarship program.
LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Explore Schools is a network of 8 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our network office is in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Our schools are currently operating fully in person. For this position:
In-person work is required
The standard work week is 45 hours, though at times you may work more.
This is a non-exempt position and is eligible for overtime.
Depending on the time of year, this role will require traveling to different school sites or our central office for training, observations, and in-service days.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status.
If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Yasmin Mohsin or Tiffany Williams know immediately.
#LI-YM1