Accounting Specialist

SCOPE

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, responsible for processing day-to-day financial transactions, including processing accounts payable, accounts receivable, student billing, bank account reconciliations, filing, and maintaining accurate ledger records and reporting.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accounts Payable & Receivable - process vendor invoices, issue payments, and collect funds.
• General Ledger - post accurate transactions in general ledger and assist with financial reports.
• Reconciliation - reconcile bank statements, debit card accounts, and vendor statements.
• Administrative tasks - maintain & file both paper and electronic records, 
• Student Enrollment Contracts & Billing - assist the Director of Finance in issuing enrollment contracts, and monitoring billing and payment for other student and camp-related billing and payments
• Projects (time permitting) - assist the Director of Finance and Operations with various financial or operational-related matters or projects

EXPECTATIONS

It is expected that the Accounting Specialist will:

• Be a model of professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct
• Be acutely detail-oriented, paying attention to financial matters down to the penny
• Maintain a collaborative, service-oriented approach when working with staff and leadership
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace environment
• Communicate clearly and respond to financial matters in a timely and professional manner
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and follow-through on responsibilities
• Support the overall mission, culture, and daily operations of MSD

Maintain strict confidentiality regarding financial and organizational matters 

It is expected that All Staff members at MSD will:

• Represent MSD in a professional, respectful, and inclusive manner, exemplifying the Montessori and MSD culture in all interactions with students, staff, parents, and visitors.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with other Staff members at all times, responding to written communications within 24 hours as much as possible.
• Work with other Staff members in a professional, respectful, and ethical manner, with a willingness to maintain a cooperative and cohesive team approach to MSD’s goals and culture. In all interactions, grace, courtesy, respect, and positivity should be practiced.
• Accept constructive feedback positively, and from the viewpoint of how the feedback favors the reputation of the school as a whole.
• Participate in training, professional development, staff and committee meetings, observations, special events, and fundraising activities as requested.
• Monitor and respond to school communications on a daily basis; periodically monitor and respond to communications during school breaks.
• Complete all required administrative and operational tasks and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and school policies and procedures and codes of conduct as articulated in handbooks, operating guides and other school policy and procedure communications and documentation in a responsive and timely manner.
• Give full cooperation to the Administration of the School, meeting deadlines and adhering to policies and practices outlined in various formats and publications.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility, pursue cost savings, and treat the school's financial and physical resources with the same care and consideration as their own. Submit financial transactions and receipts (with sales tax identified) to Administration promptly, ensuring that funding of the account will cover expenses. Adhere to the signed Cardholder User Agreement (if issued a debit/credit card).
• Maintain student, family, and school confidentiality in alignment with the school’s policies and procedures.

Demonstrate consistently regular, predictable and reliable attendance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Education

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college/university in Accounting or a related field.

Experience

• At least 3 years of proven experience in an accounting-related role, preferably within an academic setting.

Skills

• Knowledge of & adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across teams
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
• Strong organizational,  problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Quick Books, and Blackbaud

Physical Abilities

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally
• Ability to navigate campus facilities
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone or virtual platforms
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to respond to urgent situations as needed 

WORK SCHEDULE - This is a continuous year-round position, paid monthly.

Days: Generally scheduled to work approximately 15 - 20 hours per week year-round, with permission to work a portion of those hours remotely in agreement with the Director of Finance and Operations. Certain work requirements, planning, events, or unplanned academic calendar changes may necessitate a temporary modification of this schedule, including occasionally working on the weekend.

Hours: Generally expected to work on campus during school hours, and to participate in all team, committee, staff, and other employee meetings. Regular school office hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it is expected the work hours will occur during that timeframe. There may be instances when attendance is required outside of regular work hours

Reports to: Director of Finance and Operations

FLSA Classification: Hourly, non-exempt

JOB CODE: 1000006