Edtech.com's Summary

KIPP is hiring an Accounting Specialist responsible for developing and maintaining integrated financial services, including accounting, budgeting, contract management, and policy development. The role supports financial data analysis, vendor and procurement management, and collaborates across departments to ensure compliance and efficient budget handling.

Highlights

Develop and deliver training on procurement, purchase cards, requisitions, and travel logistics.
Support school-level budget management and ensure policy compliance.
Manage reconciliation of purchasing programs and oversee vendor evaluation criteria.
Audit purchase orders and educate staff on purchasing procedures to support budget adherence.
Create and manage solicitation, RFPs, awards, and contracts systems.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration required; Master’s preferred.
Minimum three years accounting/finance experience; education industry experience is a plus.
Strong project management, communication, and relationship-building skills are essential.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Suite required; familiarity with financial software and work order systems beneficial.
Starting salary at $50,000 with negotiable pay; benefits include zero-deductible healthcare, employer-paid short-term disability, life insurance, retirement plans with 12% match, and paid time off.

Accounting Specialist Full Description

Company Description

Position Overview

The Accounting Specialist will be responsible for the development and maintenance of an integrated system of financial services including accounting, budgeting, contract management, and policy development. This role will also support the review, analysis, evaluation of contract and vendor management programs. The position reports to the Director of Finance.

Who we are:

KIPP St. Louis is a part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools offering a choice to families and children in St. Louis city. As the largest charter school system in the city, we are driven and committed to our mission and vision.

Mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Vision: Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

KIPP St. Louis currently educates over 2,000 students and boasts hundreds of alumni. Today, our St. Louis network consists of three elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school.

Job Description

Position type: Full time, 12 month exempt

We invite you to serve in the following capacities:

Finance

Develop and deliver operational training on procurement, fundraising, purchase cards, requisitions, and travel logistics.
Collaborate within the Finance Department to create training on budget management, travel, cash handling, and finance-related policies.
Support schools in managing school-level budgets and ensure compliance with financial policies.
Collect and analyze financial data to generate reports and maintain accurate records.
Analyze financial, procurement, and material data against standards and requirements.
Backup AP Specialist
Manage homeless transportation, receipt,invoicing and payments.
Partner within the department to manage fixed assets effectively.

Vendor and Procurement

Reconcile purchasing programs, including Purchasing Cards, Amazon, and Staples Commercial Accounts.
Advise staff on policies and procedures for procurement tools and oversee compliance.
Develop and deliver training materials for onboarding and refresher training for staff.
Collaborate with Operations to establish technical criteria for vendor evaluation related to goods and services.

Acquisitions & Contract

Guide school and regional staff on purchasing procedures to ensure compliance.
Audit purchase orders and workflows to maintain policy adherence.
Educate staff on how effective use of purchase orders supports budget management.
Oversee simplified purchasing procedures and ensure effective execution.
Create systems for preparing and managing solicitations, Requests for Proposals (RFQs), awards, and contracts with project managers.
Lead special projects as assigned.

This job posting/description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

What you bring to the table:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration; Master’s degree desired
Three years work experience accounting/finance background; education industry experience is a plus
Strong project management experience; strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Excellent organizational, planning and implementation skills. Always think multiple steps ahead. Forward thinking is a highly desired attribute.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Suite
Ability to establish relationships and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders

Preferred skills and qualifications include:

Preparation of training materials
Ability to effectively communicate policy and procedures
Understanding of department level budget management
Reconciliation of credit cards, billing statements, etc.
Learn and internalize organizational workflow for improved productivity
Ability to learn and develop internal controls systems
Familiarity with work order system such as Operations Hero and financial software is a plus

Additional Information

What we bring to the table: Starting at $50,000; Pay is negotiable

We are a fast paced, energetic team and family with passionate people who are leading a movement and to cultivate their best working environment we provide the following:

$0 deductible healthcare plan option, including medical, vision and dental.
Employer Paid Short Term Disability
$50,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee
Retirement plan through PSRSSL with a 12% match and an optional 403b as a supplement to our pension program
Public Service student loan forgiveness program qualified employer
Longevity Bonuses: 2, 5, and 10 year financial rewards
Available time off:
- Paid leave for illness, personal days, bereavement, jury duty, and military-related leave
- Paid parental leave for new families
- Granted holidays, as well as a one-week Thanksgiving break, a two-week winter break, a week-long spring break
- Wellness days and Fabulous Fridays (leave at 2:30 on designated Fridays)
Role-specific professional development opportunities:
- Scheduled coaching sessions with your leader
- Professional development within your department

If you are interested in working at KIPP St. Louis, please visit our website to find out how to apply!

www.kippstl.org/apply

Check out our KIPP St. Louis video to learn more about KIPP St. Louis Public Schools!

KIPP St. Louis is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.

Original Job Description