Accountant

Do you enjoy using your accounting expertise to support an organization that makes a difference every day?

The Essex Westford School District (EWSD) is seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented Accountant to join our Business Office team. This position provides districtwide financial support and accounting services with a primary focus on payroll operations.

Working closely with the Payroll Specialist, you'll apply your accounting expertise to help ensure accurate payroll processing, regulatory compliance, strong internal controls, and efficient business operations. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, collaborating with colleagues, and supporting schools through exceptional financial stewardship.

Schedule: Full-time, 12-month position

Pay: $30.10+ per hour, based on experience

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and district accounting requirements.
• Prepare and reconcile general ledger entries, bank accounts and journal entries.
• Support annual audits by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests.
• Provide backup support for payroll, including payroll processing, reporting, W-2 preparation, and payroll-related reconciliations.
• Prepare required state and federal financial and payroll reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Develop, maintain, and improve accounting procedures and documentation while identifying opportunities to increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with Finance leadership, school staff, and vendors to deliver excellent customer service and support the district's financial operations.

We're looking for someone with experience in accounting or bookkeeping, a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, and excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Experience with governmental or school accounting, federal and state grants, payroll, financial reporting, and accounting software is highly desirable. The ideal candidate is collaborative, adaptable, committed to continuous improvement, and able to maintain professionalism and confidentiality while managing multiple priorities.

EWSD offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off, medical, and dental insurance, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a retirement plan with up to 6% employer contribution. 

Our district vision is: "Growing hearts and minds, for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one."

EWSD is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Successful candidates must be committed to working effectively with diverse community populations and are expected to strengthen such capacity if hired. Candidates with experience living or working in another country, the ability to fluently speak more than one language, and/or peace corp experience are encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues across the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, work independently, and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, financial accounting software, and other business technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or public-sector environment.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), with experience applying governmental accounting standards.
• Experience preparing and reconciling financial records, maintaining internal controls, and supporting audits.
• Experience with school district or governmental finance and accounting.
• Payroll processing and payroll compliance experience.
• Experience using Google Workspace and enterprise financial management software.

For additional information, CLICK HERE for a copy of the full job description.

EWSD conducts thorough screenings of all applicants being recommended for hire, which may include contacting references not listed on your application. Selected individuals are subject to criminal records background checks and child and adult abuse registry checks. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon acceptable results of these checks at the sole discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee. Please click HERE for additional background check information.