Department:     Business Office

FLSA:                  Exempt

Designation:     Staff

Schedule:          Full-time, calendar year, generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m

Travel:               Minimal

Location:          On-site

POSITION SUMMARY:

The business office team is committed to advancing the mission of the School by providing accurate and timely financial services, with exceptional customer support for the School community, while acting as a steward of the School’s resources.  The Senior Accountant contributes toward the overall business office operations, with a broad range of advanced accounting responsibilities.

The Senior Accountant is an experienced, self-motivated, innovative and engaged Accounting professional to assist with the School’s general and more complex accounting functions. The position is responsible for the reconciliation and completion of general ledger accounts, monthly and annual recurring entries and closings, adjusting entries, accruals and assists with the School’s financial audits and tax workpapers. The Senior Accountant is part of a collaborative team of staff  accountants in the business office, offers assistance and provides guidance when needed.

Successful candidates will thrive at balancing the technical accounting/finance tasks with strategically designing and implementing processes that create operational excellence.

The ability to create a warm and welcoming environment for all members of the community who need to work with the Business Office is required. The ideal candidate will have experience as an accountant in a private school or non-profit organization. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of transactions, month-end and year-end closings, special reclasses, accruals, and recurring journal entries of more complex accounting areas.
• Assist with all reconciliations prepared by the Staff Accountants (treasury, fundraising, tuition, endowment, etc.).
• Responsible for the monthly reconciliation of gifts/pledges between the School’s fundraising (Raiser’s Edge) and accounting (Great Plains) software as well as the endowment management software (Fundriver).
• Oversee the School’s endowment tracking software for accuracy, and keep track of operating/endowment due to/from schedule (Fundriver).
• Responsible for the monthly closings of Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Receivable, and Financial Module in the School’s accounting software.
• Oversee the quarterly reconciliations of Charitable Remainder Trusts, Pooled Investment Funds.
• Assist and cross-train with Staff Accountants on student billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, endowment management, and purchasing as needed.
• Assist with the preparation of the School’s operating statements, annual budget, forecasting, and related schedules.
• Coordinate and work with staff accountants regarding auxiliary programs including Summer Portals and student travel activities, employee and student credit/debit card transactions, and portable tuition activities.
• Assist with the annual financial audit including reconciliation, year-end closing; distribution, collection, and preparation of necessary schedules.
• Responsible for treasury management, including monitoring cash flow.
• Approve and track employee reimbursements against budget and stewarded funds.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and School policies. Monitor, and enforce internal controls to safeguard the School’s assets and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
• Work to continuously improve the School’s accounting, financial reporting and internal control policies and procedures and maximize department utilization of current accounting systems.
• Provide support to the Controller & CFO, prepare statistical reports and information as needed.
• Participate fully as a member of The Hotchkiss School and of the Business Office team in support of a culture of community, respect, trust and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field with advanced accounting experience is required.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience, preferably in non-profit accounting.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Excellent mathematical and quantitative skills.
• Impeccable attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to think analytically and strategically, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously, prioritizing appropriately.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders to build rapport and trust.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; demonstrated ability to leverage technology and create efficiencies and process improvement.
• Experience implementing new ERP systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a diverse group of people and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Highly organized with an ability to demonstrate success both independently and in collaborative groups.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Office environment, most of the time spent sitting at a desk.
• Repetitive (keyboard) motion.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms, and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination).

 In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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