Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks an Accounting Specialist to join a great team!

The Accounting Specialist provides customer service and accounting support to assist with the efficient running of the Business Office of an independent boarding and day high school in Natick, MA. This position provides accounts payable, accounts receivable, student billing, collections, check processing and maintaining data, records, and reports. 

The Accounting Specialist is a proactive team-player, with excellent communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and strong customer service skills. This position collaborates with the Admission, Financial Aid, Student Life, and International Support teams, and the greater school community, to process accurate accounts payable and student billing. The ideal candidate has meticulous organizational skills, the ability to work independently and efficiently, and is highly collaborative. Experience and comfort working with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and databases is critical.

This is a 12-month, non-exempt, position reporting to the Chief Financial Officer. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events and supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

Responsibilities include:

• Student Billing & Accounts Receivable
• Set up new students in the student billing system; coordinate with the Admission Office for timely submission of contracts;
• Prepare and process student charges for tuition, fees, and other charges; 
• Ensure accurate application of payments, financial aid, and other miscellaneous charges and credits;
• Monitor accounts receivable and send reminder notices for late payments; work with the CFO to ensure strong collections;
• Address and resolve student and parent/guardian inquiries regarding billing statements and account balances;
• Provide support and guidance to financially responsible parent(s)/guardian(s) on payment options and deadlines;
• Reconcile monthly all revenue and expenses related to student billing and across platforms used; and
• Generate and review financial reports related to student billing and collections.

Accounts Payable

• Process and input vendor invoices, reviewing for accuracy and compliance with School policy;
• Assign invoices for approval, once received back ensure invoices are coded to the appropriate account(s) and approved by the department manager responsible for the budget being charged;
• Prepare and process payments;
• Communicate with vendors regarding discrepancies, payment status, and general inquiries;
• Review any employee related expense reimbursements to ensure the employee is paid and/or reimbursed in accordance with School policy;
• Reconcile all accounts payable activity across platforms used; and
• Generate and review financial reports related to accounts payable, spending, and budget reports.

Innovation, Compliance and Controls

• Identify and recommend process or customer service improvements and ensure adherence to industry best practice;
• Ensure compliance with all internal controls and accounting procedures; and
• Assist with internal and external audits by timely providing reconciliations, documentation, and support requested.

Customer Service and Business Office Support

• Work collaboratively with members of the Business Office and the greater school community to provide assistance with projects, supply ordering, month- and year-end closings, and general office support; 
• In collaboration with Campus Safety and Reception, provide Front Desk coverage as needed to cover lunch, vacations, and absences; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Community Involvement & Engagement

• All members of the community are encouraged to attend student performances, art openings, and art events throughout the year; support and engage richly in arts productions, shows, exhibitions, and performances; and
• Attend and participate in communal programs outside the classroom as appropriate, including but not limited to, assemblies, guest speakers, and special programs; model and encourage appropriate behavior and monitor students during events and programming.

Collaboration, Professional Development, and Training

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to foster a positive working and educational environment for students and employees to support the School’s mission, vision, and core values;
• Pursue PD opportunities in and out of school; display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.

About Walnut Hill School for the Arts

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theatre, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that compliments and supports our diverse community. Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

Connections working at Walnut Hill School for the Arts