Accountant

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This application must be completed in a single session. You will not be able to save your progress, so please ensure you have enough time to complete the entire application and have all required documents ready to attach before beginning. Incomplete submissions cannot be saved or resumed.

Application Preparation Checklist (Before You Begin)

To complete this application in one session, please have the following items ready to upload:

• Copy of Transcripts
  Unofficial or official college transcripts for all coursework completed.
• Letters of Recommendation
  Three letters of recommendation on letterhead written within the past two years, including one from a direct supervisor.
• Resume
• Cover Letter

In addition, you will be asked to respond to six long-answer questions.
Please ensure you have adequate time to thoughtfully complete these responses before starting the application.

BASIC FUNCTION/DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Under the Finance Administrator, the Accountant I position will perform a wide variety of accounting duties, effectively communicate with peers, handle both routine and non-routine tasks and continuously work to improve internal processes.  This position provides accounting support necessary to sustain instructional operations, educational programs, and student services within Altus Schools’ flex-based instructional and independent study model. Responsibilities include financial monitoring and reporting activities that support instructional continuity, compliance, and educational program implementation.

Responsibilities:

• Monthly, quarterly and annual close activities that include account reconciliation, journal entries, fixed asset management, cash flows and other related duties
• Budgeting activities that include budget creation, monitoring and synthesizing of information to management
• Reconcile cash and balance sheet accounts
• Preparation of technical reports for various government agencies at the federal, state and local levels
• Use of technical accounting system(s) to record accounting transactions, create ad hoc financial reports and monitor GL activity
• Support with annual financial interim and final audit activities
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet the operational, educational, business, compliance, and student service needs of Altus Schools. Such duties will be consistent with the employee's qualifications and the general nature and level of the position.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Requirements:

• Have a working knowledge and understanding of financial and accounting principles
• Prior experience with non-profit accounting, preferably with California charter schools
• Ability to explain or describe a topic, issue or problem to your audience effectively and concisely
• Moderate to advanced experience in Microsoft Excel, financial systems, ERP software or other enterprise systems
• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university in finance, accounting or related field
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work effectively and collaboratively with groups that are both within and outside of your functional area.
• Ability to maintain reliable on-site attendance and punctuality in accordance with assigned work schedule.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license and reliable transportation.
• TB Clearance 
  
• Obtain Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance through the DOJ and FBI
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment: Indoor, office setting; exposure to computer screens; travel between sites as needed.

Physical Requirements:  Hearing and speaking to exchange information with staff and external persons; seeing to read, proofread, perform clerical tasks, and work on a computer screen; intermittent sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting and carrying light objects; driving a vehicle to attend visits at resource centers, external venues, and staff meetings.

Work Location and Operational Requirements: This position is primarily performed in an in-person educational environment to support the operational, instructional, compliance, and student service needs of Altus Schools. While limited remote work flexibility may be authorized at the discretion of management based on operational needs, staffing levels, and organizational priorities, such arrangements are not guaranteed and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time, with or without notice.

The employee may be required to work onsite up to five (5) days per week to support school operations, instructional continuity, student services, compliance functions, audits, payroll processing timelines, ADA-related activities, staff support, meetings, training, and other operational requirements necessary for the effective functioning of the schools.

The ability to report onsite as assigned is considered an essential function of this position and is necessary to support collaboration, responsiveness, operational efficiency, supervision, and continuity of educational services.

LOCATION:

12-Month Workday Contract – 100% onsite (Monday-Friday)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

The following items will be required with application submission:

• Copy of Transcript (Copy of college transcripts for all coursework completed)
• Letters of Recommendation (Three letters of recommendation on letterhead written within the past two years, including one from a direct supervisor)
• Cover Letter
• Resume

COMMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION: 

Join Our Award-Winning Team at Altus Schools!

Altus Schools is a network of innovative, WASC-accredited public charter schools dedicated to transforming the lives of students in grades TK–12 through personalized education. For more than 30 years, Altus has redefined what learning can look like—offering students a flexible, individualized approach that meets them where they are and helps them achieve their personal and academic goals.

Our award-winning program features:

• Customized course plans built around each student’s needs and interests
• One-on-one teacher support in a caring, inclusive environment
• Individualized college and career planning to prepare students for the future
• Flexible scheduling that empowers students to take ownership of their learning

Altus Schools is proud to be a two-time recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (2015 and 2021)—the nation’s highest honor for performance excellence. As the first K–12 school system to earn this distinction and the only educational organization to receive it twice, Altus sets the benchmark for quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in education.

Our unique “University Model” blends independent study with in-person labs and tutorials at safe, modern, and technology-rich resource centers across San Diego County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Together, our educators, students, and families create a collaborative community that inspires success and lifelong learning.

Join Altus Schools—where innovation, support, and excellence come together to help every student thrive.

For more information visit our website at: altus4u.com

SELECTION PROCESS: 

Qualified applicants will first complete a brief work-styles/behavioral survey. Candidates who successfully complete this initial phase will be invited to a panel interview with School Administrators. Candidates recommended from the first interview will advance to a final interview with the Deputy Superintendent School Services and Founding Director, and the Superintendent School Services and Founder.

Please note that not all applicants will be invited to interview, and only those selected will be contacted regarding next steps. Hiring decisions are made based on the full evaluation process, and we do not discuss our hiring decisions with applicants.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Compensation and Benefits: Employees are eligible for coverage beginning the first day of the month following sixty (60) days of employment. The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, and life insurance, and a variety of employee-paid voluntary benefits. The benefits are 100% employer-paid for the employee and all eligible dependents!

Equal Employment Opportunity: Altus Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to afford equal employment and advancement opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, gender, sex, sex stereotype, religious creed, marital/registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. This policy extends to all job applicants and employees and to all aspects of the employment relationship, including the hiring of new employees and the training, transfer, promotion, discipline, termination, compensation and benefits of existing employees.