Manager, Accounting

Relay Graduate School of Education (Relay) is an accredited not-for-profit institution of higher education serving thousands of educators from across the country, from pre-service teachers to system-level leaders. Our mission is to ensure that all students are taught by excellent educators, in order to build a more just world where every student has a clear path to a fulfilling life.

The Financial Control Team plays a critical role in ensuring strong financial management and accurate reporting to support the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. As part of the broader Finance team, they are responsible for maintaining the integrity of Relay’s financial operations and providing insights that inform strategic decision-making. Reporting to the Vice President, Financial Controller, the Manager, Accounting will be an integral member of the team, with a primary focus on Accounts Receivable, revenue recognition, and cash management. This role requires strong attention to detail, ownership of core processes, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely and accurate financial data.

The essential responsibilities of this position, while not limited to the following, will include:

• Liaise with Relay departments to foster an understanding of our accounting practices and facilitate the billing of invoices to be sent out to partners.
• Provide end-user support for ERP receivables and customer modules; troubleshoot issues, resolve Finance@ tickets, and train staff as needed.
• Review contracts to determine service periods and revenue recognition timing; record receivables and revenue in accordance with GAAP.
• Support earned vs. deferred revenue tracking, including preparing year-end reclassification journal entries.
• Manage cash operations by recording receivables, revenues, and payments from grants and miscellaneous sources.
• Investigate and resolve unexpected bank transactions to identify their source and purpose.
• Communicate with external partners and follow up on aged receivables to ensure collectability.
• Maintain vendor records, including collecting and updating banking information in the accounting system.

• Record and reconcile monthly health benefit expenses and provider refunds.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations across multiple cash and investment accounts.
• Maintain and update balance sheet account reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Support month-end, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy of general ledger data and alignment with forecasts.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation for the annual audit.
• Support ERP system upgrades, testing, and continuous improvements to enhance efficiency and user experience.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required.

First and foremost, the Accounting Manager must share Relay’s sense of urgency about the need to improve student achievement through phenomenal teacher and leader training. Additionally, candidates for the position must have the following:

• BS in Accounting, required
• 3-4 years experience working in nonprofit accounting, or related experience, with a strong desire to work in the not-for-profit and higher education sector
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment independently.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with experience providing responsive, service-oriented support to stakeholders.
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills, including identifying root causes and implementing process improvements.
• Evidence of a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial data and reporting.
• Demonstrated mid-proficiency in Microsoft Excel (Pivot tables and related analysis)

• CPA license or progress towards CPA

Relay prepares teachers and school leaders to teach students of all identities and backgrounds in order to push toward a time when this country no longer faces stark educational inequities. We recruit, develop, support, and retain a diverse staff, faculty, and graduate student body because we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and actively anti-racist institution. We know, and the data supports, that diversity, equity, and inclusion cultivate an environment in which people of all backgrounds can thrive and this is critical to achieving our mission of educational excellence and equity.

To fulfill that commitment, Relay encourages applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply for roles that align with their own interests and career trajectory. If you meet a majority of the qualifications and see yourself in this role, we would love to see your application!

Employees must have a primary work location within the U.S., where they are legally authorized to work. Relay is a registered employer in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington State and Washington DC. Please note that Relay Graduate School of Education's headquarters are in New York City. Employees who choose to perform work from states not listed here will be subject to NYC state withholdings.