Accountant

About Lantern Learning Group

Lantern Learning Group is a purpose-driven network of early childhood education schools across the United States. We bring together exceptional preschools—each with its own history, culture, and educational philosophy—under one umbrella of excellence. By combining strong local roots with the strength of a larger organization, we are building a brighter future for children, families, and educators.

Our mission is to unite purpose-driven schools that inspire confidence, good character, and lifelong achievement.

Our values are: Quality, Integrity, Service, and Community.

Lantern Learning Group proudly operates schools across the United States, uniting a family of exceptional early childhood education brands—including Smart Cookies, The Pillars Christian Learning Centers, and Early Care & Education.

As a purpose-led network, Lantern Learning Group is committed to inspiring confidence, good character, and lifelong achievement in children while supporting educators with the resources, training, and culture needed to thrive.

Why Work Here

When you join Lantern Learning Group, you become part of something bigger: a community committed to shaping confident, capable children and supporting the educators who guide them. We invest in professional growth, leadership development, and a culture that values every voice. Our team members thrive knowing they are supported by a collaborative network while still enjoying the close-knit feel of their individual school.

We are committed to supporting your career, family, and future. Team members enjoy comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) match, paid time off, tuition discounts, and wellness programs.

Summary

The Accountant supports day-to-day financial operations, including cash management, accounts payable, account reconciliations, and financial reporting. This role also assists leadership with financial analysis, month-end close activities, and maintaining accurate records that support audits and general ledger integrity.

Essential Functions

Monitor balances for all cash accounts and initiate transfers as needed

• Manage the accounts payable process
• Manage all credit card users across all locations
• Perform bank and credit card account reconciliations
• Manage all payment methods and account signers across locations
• Pull reports and record income from the childcare management platform
• Ensure documentation is available for reconciling general ledger accounts and audits
• Assist the Controller with month-end close activities
• Ensure accuracy of general ledger postings and reconcile accounts as needed
• Assist leadership with questions and review of financial statements
• Create ad-hoc Excel spreadsheets and financial analysis as needed
• Participate collaboratively as part of the Mission Team and support organizational goals

*This is not designed to cover all responsibilities. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Our Values

At Lantern Learning Group, being values-based means that everything we do is rooted in a clear set of guiding principles: Quality, Integrity, Service, and Community. These values shape our decisions, define our expectations, and unify our team across every school and region.

Quality: We hold ourselves to the highest standards and believe that quality is reflected in every school and every interaction.

Integrity: We act with transparency, consistency, and honesty in every relationship and decision.

Service: We lead with humility and put the needs of families, staff, and school communities first.

Community: We are better together. We invest in the communities we serve and the teams who make them thrive.

Work Environment

Standard schedule: Monday–Friday

Occasional evenings or weekends for events

San Antonio-based candidates: Expected to work from the Mission Team Headquarters Tuesday–Thursday

Candidates outside San Antonio: Hybrid role, primarily remote, with collaboration via virtual meetings

Periodic travel to San Antonio, TX, for Mission Team meetings

Benefits – Salaried

As a salaried employee, you’ll receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

• Employer-covered medical coverage through BCBS
• Employee Wellness Program
• FSA/HSA enrollment options
• Voluntary Dental & Vision coverage
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance – $10,000
• Voluntary Disability, Accident & Critical Illness coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• 120 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) – accruals start day 1
• 13–15 paid holidays annually
• 2 days of paid Bereavement Leave
• Annual $720 cell phone allotment
• Childcare tuition discounts
• Scholarship program
• Lantern Learning Group Paid Family Leave (LLGPFL)
• 401(k) with 6% match, no wait time for vesting once eligible
• CDA Program Assistance

EEO Statement

Lantern Learning Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law

Physical Requirements

• Long periods of sitting at a desk
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Frequently lift/move up to 10 lbs; occasionally up to 40 lbs
• Visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth, and focus adjustment

Travel Requirements

This role requires occasional local travel for training or center visits, occasional overnight travel for conferences, and periodic required travel to San Antonio, TX, for in-person Mission Team meetings.

Required Education & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of accounting experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Proficiency with Sage Intacct preferred
• Experience with Bill.com and Bill Spend & Expense preferred
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills