Manager, Operational Accounting

Manager of Operational Accounting & Compliance

Fairfield County, CT – On-site

Compensation :  $100k+ (depending on experience)

Company offers :  Strong benefits package, 40-hour work week with limited overtime, opportunities for involvement across community.

Position Summary :

One of Vaco’s clients is seeking an experienced and hands-on

Manager of Operational Accounting to oversee daily accounting operations, mentor junior team members, and ensure compliance with institutional policies and GAAP standards. This individual will serve as both a leader and collaborator—providing direction, guidance, and support while maintaining an active role in financial operations.

The ideal candidate has experience in non-profit or education accounting, a strong general accounting background, and a passion for mentoring staff. This role is well-suited for someone who thrives in a project management capacity, ensuring deadlines are met while fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities :

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to support compliance and best practices.
• Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Prepare and file tax and compliance reports, including IRS Form 990, 990-T, and state filings.
• Stay current with changes in accounting standards and higher education regulations, advising leadership on impacts.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to junior accounting staff, fostering professional growth and accountability.
• Support ad hoc financial projects, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications :

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco / Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco / Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and / or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to :

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.