Accounting Associate

Description:

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented, service-minded Accounting Associate to join the Business Office at Southwest Christian School. This position plays an important role in the day-to-day accounting operations of the school, including accounts payable, general ledger reconciliations, deposits, expense reporting, and support for families, vendors, and school departments.

The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, comfortable working with accounting systems and detailed financial information, and committed to providing excellent service. The Accounting Associate should approach their work with integrity, discretion, collaboration, and a desire to support the mission of Southwest Christian School.

A successful Accounting Associate will be someone others can rely on for accurate work, timely follow-through, and helpful service. This person will understand that strong financial administration supports every part of the school's mission, from serving families to equipping faculty and staff with the resources they need.

Essential Responsibilities

• Enter and process accounts payable transactions and maintain accurate supporting documentation
• Prepare and set up accounts payable payment runs
• Perform general ledger reconciliations and research discrepancies
• Prepare basic recurring journal entries
• Distribute accounting and financial reports to department managers
• Communicate with vendors and assist with vendor setup, account questions, documentation, and issue resolution
• Prepare and distribute invoices related to facility rentals
• Post deposits and scan and maintain appropriate backup documentation
• Provide basic customer service assistance to families regarding tuition and financial aid account questions
• Review Ramp expense reports for compliance with school policies, appropriate receipts, and accurate general ledger coding
• Maintain organized and accurate accounting records in accordance with school policies and procedures
• Assist members of the Business Office with other accounting and administrative responsibilities as needed

Requirements:

Education & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant accounting experience
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and follow established financial procedures
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills
• Ability to handle financial and personal information with discretion and confidentiality
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and the ability to learn accounting and financial software

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting software
• Experience with Ramp or another expense and corporate card management platform
• Previous accounting or bookkeeping experience in a nonprofit organization, private school, church, or similar mission-driven environment
• Experience with accounts payable, general ledger reconciliations, and expense reporting

Personal & Spiritual Characteristics

• Is deeply committed to a consistent daily walk with our Savior, Jesus Christ, through prayer, devotional study, and church membership
• Demonstrates the spiritual maturity, academic ability, and personal leadership qualities to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6)
• Possesses the ability to work gracefully with faculty and school staff in a supporting role to encourage a unified and successful educational program
• Cooperates with administrators, department chairpersons, and other school leadership to implement policies and procedures as they pertain to the daily operation of the School
• Follow Matthew 18 principle in dealing with conflict with faculty and staff
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and carry out responsibilities and make competent, professional decisions
• Eagerly participates in professional development activities and the evaluation process with a desire to grow professionally, spiritually, and personally throughout the career in education
• Maintains a professional personal appearance that is a Christian role model of cleanliness, modesty, good taste, and is in accordance with school policy

Work Environment

The work environment at Southwest Christian School is consistent with a typical school setting. The employee normally works indoors but may be required to be outdoors in unpredictable temperatures to occasionally monitor outdoor activities, attend programs, or move between buildings. The noise level in the environment is usually low to moderate but may become loud occasionally. The employee is required to interact with others within the school community, including parents and other caregivers. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Additional Duties / Responsibilities

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required as an active participant in the mission of Southwest Christian School. Additional duties are regularly performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.