Staff Accountant

About the Role:

The Staff Accountant plays a critical role in maintaining the financial integrity and accuracy of the educational institution's accounting records. This position is responsible for preparing and analyzing financial statements, ensuring compliance with accounting principles, and supporting the month-end and year-end close processes. The Staff Accountant will perform detailed account reconciliations, including bank reconciliations, to verify the accuracy of financial data and identify discrepancies. By collaborating with various departments, this role helps to streamline accounting operations and supports financial decision-making. Ultimately, the Staff Accountant ensures that all financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely, contributing to the institution’s overall fiscal health and transparency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Proven experience with bank reconciliation and account reconciliation processes.
• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in preparing journal entries and maintaining the general ledger.
• Experience working with balance sheets and financial statement preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the educational services industry or nonprofit accounting.
• Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks and ADP Workforce.
• Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables and financial modeling.
• Experience supporting audits and working with external auditors.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and post journal entries to the general ledger in accordance with established accounting principles.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and resolve any discrepancies to ensure accurate cash balances.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts and analyze account activity to support financial reporting.
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with other departments to gather necessary documentation and support audits or financial reviews.
• Maintain accurate and organized accounting records and documentation for compliance and audit purposes.
• Support the month-end and year-end close processes by ensuring all transactions are recorded and reconciled.
• Monthly billing to outside Customers.
• Manage Accounts Receivable including collection efforts.
• Assist in managing student Registrations.

Skills:

The Staff Accountant will utilize their expertise in accounting principles daily to ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately and comply with regulatory standards. Bank reconciliation skills are essential for verifying cash balances and identifying discrepancies, which helps maintain the institution’s financial integrity. Analytical skills are applied when reviewing account activity and preparing balance sheets to provide meaningful insights into financial performance. Proficiency in journal entries and account reconciliation supports the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting. Additionally, strong communication and collaboration skills are important for working with various departments and supporting audit activities, thereby enhancing overall accounting operations.