Employment
Pasadena Conservatory of Music
Position Title: Senior Accounting Manager
Organization Type: 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid / On-site options available)
Annual Budget Size: $4.5 million
Reports To: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Accounting Manager
Position Summary
The Senior Accounting Manager will oversee all financial management, accounting, payroll, and compliance functions for our growing $4.5 million Los Angeles-based non-profit community music school. As a key member of the leadership team, you will help manage a budget comprised of approximately 65% earned income (tuition) supplemented by a mix of city, county, and private philanthropic funding streams. This role requires an experienced leader who can provide strategic fiscal guidelines while effectively managing and sharing workload with a small team to handle day-to-day financial transactions, preparing monthly, quarterly, year-end, and audited financial statements.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Governance & Strategy
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- Participate in short and long-range financial projections and modeling to help inform Executive Director and Board Finance Committee regarding organizational growth and sustainability goals.
- Oversee and present monthly financial statements and variance reports directly to the Executive Director and the Board Finance Committee.
- Formulate organizational fiscal policies and internal controls to protect assets and minimize risk.
- Team Leadership & Supervision
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- Supervise & collaborate with the Accounting Manager, ensuring accurate execution of accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), invoicing, general ledger data entry, and student records.
- Provide mentorship and training to staff to optimize department workflows and professional growth.
- Grants, Payroll & Compliance
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- In cooperation with the Director of Development, assist in tracking allocations, billings and matching funds for Federal grants below $1 million, local grants, foundations, and restricted gifts from individuals.
- Review and approve payroll processed by Human Resources and reviewed by the Director of Programs and Student Services, ensuring adherence to federal and state wage and tax laws.
- Monitor organizational cash flow and produce accurate forecasts to maintain operational liquidity.
- Budgeting & Audit Prep
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- Assist in developing the annual $4.5 M budgeting process in close collaboration with program managers, Board Finance Committee and the Executive Director.
- Coordinate the annual external audit and tax filings (IRS Form 990 / CA Form 199), serving as the primary auditor liaison.
- Work with Board Finance Committee to track endowment and reserve investments to ensure fiscal stability, preservation of capital, and continued income support for operating budget.
Candidate Qualifications
Required Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
- Management Experience: Minimum of 3 years of direct experience supervising accounting, finance, or HR staff.
- Accounting: Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting/finance experience (some within a 501(c)(3) organization preferred).
- Fund Accounting: Deep practical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for non-profits and restricted fund tracking.
- Software Fluency: Mastery of QuickBooks Online alongside advanced Excel skills; knowledge of Paychex payroll systems preferred.
Preferred Assets
- Local Insight: Experience within a non-profit arts organization, preferably within Los Angeles county.
- HR Payroll Oversight: Familiarity with high-level California HR compliance and payroll structures.
- Credentials: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) desirable but not required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $85,000-100,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits.
- Retirement: 403(b) plan options
- Paid Time Off: 2 weeks vacation (increases with tenure), 5 personal days, 8 paid holidays, and one additional week (year-end office closure)
- Location: Hybrid/On-site options available