Financial Operations Specialist

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served. Mission Statement & Values: Acelero, Inc. designs and delivers research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children’s inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve. Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities. Job Summary: The Financial Operations Specialist, is responsible for providing entry-level administrative and clerical support to the finance department to ensure efficient daily operations. This role is responsible for handling accounts payable operations, including processing invoices and managing vendor relationships, as well as administering credit card programs and expense reimbursements. The Finance Administrator works under the direction of the Assistant Director, Finance, and ensures that the high volume of clerical work for the assigned delegates is processed with extreme accuracy and timeliness, while maintaining accurate records to support the broader centralized finance structure and programmatic objectives of the Head Start program. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: • Manages the day-to-day accounts payable processing for the delegates, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of all invoices, obtaining necessary approvals, and preparing them for submission. • Verifies invoices for accuracy and ensures appropriate backup documentation is provided, including correct general ledger and funding source coding. • Maintains vendor accounts in good standing by ensuring timely payments and maintaining open lines of communication to resolve inquiries. • Reconciles vendor statements monthly to identify, research, and resolve any discrepancies, including past-due balances or missing credits, ensuring assigned delegates maintain a positive standing with all local and national partners. • Supports staff and vendors with any payment inquiries. • Administers credit card programs, including purchasing and employee cards, to ensure compliance, accurate reporting, and monthly statement reconciliation. • Manages employee expense reimbursements by performing bi-weekly reviews to verify that requested amounts are accurate, appropriate, and correctly coded. • Maintains proper documentation of all expenditures for reimbursements, petty cash, and purchase orders. • Serves as the administrator for the FedEx program, managing accounts and communications. • Handles general office duties, including phone coverage, IT request coordination, office supply management, mail processing, and filing. • Manages incoming correspondence, ensuring timely distribution within the office and responding effectively to internal and external requests. • Supports the Assistant Director, Finance and Director, Finance with meeting preparation, document scanning, and other clerical tasks required to keep the regional office running efficiently. • Participates in assigned meetings, events and training as required. Non-Essential Duties: • Assists with compiling responses and tracking audit requests, such as supporting Federal Monitoring Reviews and the annual Self-Assessment (SASCIE). • Performs any and all other duties (or functions) as assigned. Job Requirements: • Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required. • 2 years of experience in financial administration, bookkeeping, or related finance roles required; experience with high-volume invoice processing and vendor management is essential. • Physical exam and background checks are required for this position. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: • Demonstrated attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in data entry. • Ability to handle sensitive financial information with confidentiality and discretion. • Proficient in Google Workspace and Excel spreadsheets; experience with accounting systems or AP software is a plus. • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize a workload effectively. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. • Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines. • Physical Requirements: Ability to sit most of the time with some bending and reaching. • Ability to stand, walk, and bend periodically. • Ability to engage in repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers – typing and/or writing. • Ability to work frequently at close visual range (i.e. preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading). • Ability to receive and respond to oral communication. • Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Work Environment: Work is generally performed in an office environment. Noise level in the work environment is moderate to occasionally loud (examples: business office with computers and printers, light to moderate traffic, human voices). • Standard office equipment generally used includes: • Smartphone/Telephone • Personal Computer (monitor, keyboard, and mouse), Laptop, or Tablet May be required to operate a motor vehicle during the course of duties. When/Where/How Much: When: Fall/Winter 2026 Where: Monmouth Middlesex County How Much: $26.50/hour Why You’ll Love Working with Us: • A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families • A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being • Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including: • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses • 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance • Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support • Wellness Programs , including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes • Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace. Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning? - Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve - Career growth and professional development opportunities - Supportive working environment - Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment - Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.