Summary
Description
Managing Director of Accounting (Controller)
Reports To: Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO)
Location: Remote (within the Continental United States; Philadelphia, PA preferred)
About the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED)
The Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) exists to rebuild the national Black Teacher Pipeline. We are unapologetically committed to educational justice and racial equity through the intentional recruitment, training, and retention of Black educators.
Our work centers Black students, families, and educators by designing liberatory pathways into teaching, investing in sustainable program models, and advocating for systems change. We believe that strengthening the educator workforce is essential to advancing equity and improving outcomes for all students.
About the Position
The Managing Director of Accounting leads CBED’s accounting function and is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of the organization’s financial records and reporting. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO), this role serves as the organization’s senior accounting leader, with full ownership of the monthly close, financial statements, internal controls, and audit process.
This is a hands-on leadership role that combines technical accounting expertise with operational discipline and team oversight. The Managing Director is responsible for establishing and maintaining strong accounting processes, ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, and building a scalable accounting infrastructure to support the organization’s continued growth.
The Managing Director directly supervises the accounting staff and works closely with external auditors, financial partners, and internal leadership to ensure accurate reporting and strong financial governance.
This role owns the accounting function end-to-end, including financial reporting, internal controls, audit readiness, and the monthly close process.
Core Responsibilities
1. Accounting Leadership & Financial Reporting
- Lead and manage the accounting function, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all financial reporting.
- Own the preparation and delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Ensure all financial reporting aligns with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards (ASC 958).
- Maintain integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts.
2. Monthly Close & Operational Discipline
- Own and lead the monthly close process, including timelines, deliverables, and review of all accounting outputs.
- Ensure a consistent, timely, and well-documented close process.
- Review journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules prepared by the accounting staff.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies, errors, or unusual financial activity.
3. Internal Controls & Compliance
- Design, implement, and maintain a strong internal control environment across all accounting processes.
- Establish and enforce accounting policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
- Identify control gaps and implement improvements to mitigate risk.
4. Audit Leadership & External Relationships
- Lead the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
- Prepare and review audit schedules, documentation, and financial statements.
- Ensure audit readiness throughout the year.
- Address audit findings and implement corrective actions as needed.
5. Restricted Funds & Nonprofit Accounting
- Oversee accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring proper classification and reporting.
- Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of grants, contracts, and program-related funding.
- Maintain compliance with donor restrictions and reporting requirements.
6. Systems & Process Improvement
- Lead continuous improvement of accounting systems, workflows, and processes.
- Identify opportunities for automation and increased efficiency.
- Ensure accounting systems support accurate reporting and operational needs.
- Partner with the CFAO on system enhancements and integration across functions.
7. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Directly supervise the accounting staff, providing oversight, coaching, and performance management.
- Establish clear expectations, workflows, and accountability within the accounting function.
- Partner with Finance, Programs, and Development teams to ensure alignment between financial reporting and operational activity.
- Support leadership and board reporting through accurate and timely financial data.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 8–12 years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
- Strong experience in nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting and restricted funds management.
- Deep understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards (ASC 958 preferred).
- Proven experience leading monthly close processes and external audits.
- Experience designing and implementing internal controls and accounting policies.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex financial data.
- Experience supervising and developing accounting staff.
- Proficiency with accounting systems and advanced Excel skills.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
- Demonstrated alignment with CBED’s mission and commitment to equity and educational justice.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $140,000 – $155,000
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous paid time off and organizational holidays
- Remote work environment with a mission-driven team
Working at CBED
CBED is a mission-driven organization committed to equity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who bring both technical excellence and a commitment to advancing our work in service of Black educators and students.
We are building systems and structures that support both impact and sustainability, and we are looking for leaders who are excited to help shape and strengthen that work.
