Position Title: Senior Accountant
Location: The Knox School, St. James, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Head of School
About The Knox School: The Knox School, a nonsectarian, independent college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades six through twelve and post graduate, is currently accepting applications for a Senior Accountant.. Knox provides students from around the world with a strong and supportive academic program, a familial environment, small class sizes, and enriching arts and athletic programs.
Position Summary: The ideal candidate will have experience as an accountant in the private school sector. As a strong communicator and skilled accounting professional, this person will be in charge of all functions of the Business office with one direct report. This individual will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, and supporting the school’s strategic financial planning. The Senior Accountant will work closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to enhance the financial sustainability of the school.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Reporting and Analysis:
- Prepare and present accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
- Conduct financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
- Budgeting and Forecasting:
- Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to develop realistic and achievable budgets.
- Monitor and report on budget adherence, providing insights and recommendations to manage variances.
- Prepare financial forecasts to support strategic planning and decision-making.
- Internal Controls and Compliance:
- Establish, monitor, and enforce internal controls to safeguard the school’s assets and ensure the accuracy of financial records.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and school policies.
- Coordinate and manage the annual financial audit and 403b audit, liaising with external auditors and addressing any audit findings.
- Accounts Management:
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.
- Accounts Receivable – cash receipt posting, tuition application, deposits, etc.
- Accounts Payable – determine weekly payment selections, while managing cash flow.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of transactions, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end closings.
- Manage the school’s cash flow, including forecasting and optimizing liquidity.
- Financial Strategy and Support:
- Assist the Head of School in developing and implementing financial strategies to support the school’s mission and long-term goals.
- Provide comprehensive financial updates to the Head of School by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate financial data on a monthly basis.
- Guide financial decisions by applying company policies and procedures to current economic landscape
- Participate in special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Head of School.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA certification preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, preferably in an educational or non-profit organization.
- Strong knowledge of Blackbaud’s Financial Edge NXT accounting software
- Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Experience in online payroll systems.
- Proven experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Benefits: The Knox School offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, tuition remission for qualified dependents, and professional development opportunities.
- Paid Vacation and sick time
- Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available
- 403b Plan
Starting Salary: $80,000
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected] by June 30, 2024. In the cover letter, please address your qualifications and experience, and why you are interested in joining the Knox team.
Knox is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Senior Accountant position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the role.
Contact Information: The Knox School 541 Long Beach Rd St. James, NY 11780 631-686-1600 www.knoxschool.org
