Senior Accountant

Full-Time Exempt Year-Round

The San Francisco Friends School (SFFS), located in the heart of the Mission District in San Francisco, educates K-8 students in the tradition of Quaker learning. By example and commitment, we hope to inspire all connected with our school to work together toward a peaceful and caring society. For further information about San Francisco Friends School’s beginnings, mission, and philosophy, please visit our website at www.sffriendsschool.org.

The school seeks teachers and administrators who resonate with the Friends School mission, which provides an exemplary education in a community dedicated to problem-solving, service to others, simplicity, social justice, and quiet reflection. Our Quaker mission also compels us to create a diverse and inclusive community; we seek a person who will thrive and contribute to such a community, both within and beyond the walls of the school.

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant is a key member of the Business Office supporting the Controller in maintaining accurate financial records, tracking transactions, updating the general ledger, reconciling bank accounts, and ensuring GAAP compliance. As a forward-facing role within the school community, this position collaborates regularly in-person with staff, parents, and vendors and requires a consistent on-site presence during standard operational hours. 

Duties and Responsibilities

GENERAL LEDGER & FINANCIAL REPORTING

• Prepare journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and execute month-end/year-end closing procedures.
• Support annual budget maintenance in Blackbaud, verifying accuracy and assisting with variance identification and analysis.
• Coordinate with the Development office to ensure accurate accounting for all gifts, pledges, restricted/unrestricted assets, and endowment funds.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (STUDENT & AUXILIARY BILLING)

• Manage initial student account setups and resolve escalated parent inquiries within Blackbaud Tuition Management (which handles automated recurring billing and payment processing).
• Process and manage billing for outside auxiliary programs (e.g., after-school programs, summer camps, facility rentals).
• Prepare month-end aging reports and monitor outstanding accounts receivable balances for review with the Controller.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & CREDIT CARD MANAGEMENT

• Manage full-cycle accounts payable, review and process vendor invoices, research payment issues, and execute check/ACH runs utilizing Ramp.
• Oversee corporate credit card spend, employee reimbursement workflows, and monthly credit card reconciliations in Ramp.

PAYROLL PROCESSING

• Process full-cycle payroll accurately and on schedule, including timecard verification, tax withholdings, and benefit deductions.
• Partner closely with the HR Director, who provides oversight, policy guidance, and final authorization on payroll runs and discrepancies.

AUDIT & COMPLIANCE

• Assist the Controller in preparing schedules, work papers, and maintaining permanent files for the annual audit.

GENERAL OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

• Maintain accounting continuity by cross-training across functions and stepping in where needed.
• Pursue professional development and stay current on non-profit accounting standards and regulations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited institution. CPA or CPA track preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably in a non-profit or independent school setting.
• Payroll Experience: Proven experience processing full-cycle payroll using a major payroll platform (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, Rippling); experience with ADP is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of GAAP (non-profit accounting knowledge preferred). Advanced proficiency in Excel and Word required. Experience with Ramp and Blackbaud systems is a plus.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and build effective, face-to-face working relationships.
• Work Style: Highly detail-oriented with a critical eye for accuracy. Self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities and deadlines.

Work Environment & Schedule Requirements

San Francisco Friends School is an active, forward-facing educational environment. This position is 100% on-site at our San Francisco campus, 5 days per week, to support in-person collaboration, community engagement, and daily Business Office operations. Hybrid or remote work arrangements are not available for this role, except under rare, pre-approved circumstances.

EEO Commitment 

Employment Clearances required

• SB 848 Authorization and Reference Checking
• Livescan Background
• US Employment Eligibility
• TB Clearance certificate

For more information about San Francisco Friends School or Quaker education, please visit our website at www.sffriendsschool.org or the Friends Council on Education at www.friendscouncil.org.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive, exempt salary based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits are offered, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, matching 403(b), and a generous vacation/holiday schedule.

$4,166.67 to $5,000 per semi-monthly pay period for 24 pay periods per year ($100,000–$120,000 annualized).