AVP Accounting & Finance

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services), we honor young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. 

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Accounting and Finance plays a key leadership role in overseeing the financial operations of the organization, with a special emphasis on compliance and reporting for federally funded programs, including Head Start. This role ensures sound fiscal management aligned with nonprofit accounting standards and OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), while supporting programmatic goals. AVP works closely with the CFO to develop and execute financial strategies that sustain and grow mission-driven services.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and grant accounting.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit standards (FASB).
• Maintain fund accounting systems and oversee proper allocation of costs to multiple funding sources.
• Proactively identify process improvement opportunities to streamline financial operations, enhance efficiencies, and drive cost-savings initiatives.

Grants & Head Start Compliance

• Manage all fiscal aspects of Head Start and other federal, state, and private grants, ensuring compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance, 45 CFR Part 75, and all Head Start fiscal requirements.
• Lead the preparation of the SF-425 and other required federal financial reports.
• Monitor grant spending, cost allowability, and matching/in-kind contributions.
• Coordinate annual audits, including the Single Audit (A-133), and act as the primary liaison to external auditors.

Budgeting & Forecasting

•  Lead the development of organizational and grant-specific budgets in collaboration with program leadership.
•  Monitor budget performance and provide variance analyses with actionable insights.
•  Prepare financial projections and forecasts to support strategic planning and sustainability.

Internal Controls & Compliance

•  Implement, maintain, and enhance internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
•  Conduct periodic internal reviews and recommend policy/procedure improvements.
•  Ensure timely filings of tax forms (e.g., IRS Form 990) and other compliance reports.

Leadership & Team Management

•  Supervise and mentor finance staff, fostering professional development and accountability.
•  Build cross-departmental partnerships to support program staff in understanding financial

information and meeting grant requirements.

•  Serve as a key advisor to the CFO and executive leadership team on financial matters.

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

Requirements

Education & Certifications:

•  Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (required).
•  CPA or MBA (strongly preferred).
•  Training or certification in federal grants management or nonprofit financial leadership (preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including at least 3 years in a nonprofit organization receiving federal funds.
• Direct experience managing Head Start or Early Head Start fiscal operations is preferred.
• Experience with Single Audit preparation and fund accounting systems (e.g., MIP, Blackbaud, or similar).

Skills & Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of GAAP, OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and Head Start fiscal regulations.
• Strong analytical, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial staff and leadership.
• High level of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with accounting software and grant management tools.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Certificates of acknowledgement required: Conflict of Interest, Code of Ethics, Confidentiality agreements, IT Systems and Security, Anti-Fraud, HR Employee Acknowledgement Form.
• Applicants must successfully pass a drug screen and background check as a condition of employment.