Staff Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Community

The Chestnut Hill School (CHS) is a dynamic, vibrant community dedicated to developing joyful learners who think critically, embrace diversity, and act with empathy. Our faculty and staff play an essential role in bringing this mission to life each day. We are committed to recruiting and retaining talented, dedicated professionals who are passionate about their work, value lifelong learning, and are eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.

At CHS, every individual contributes to the strength of our community. Our faculty and staff bring a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and talents, and we strive to build genuine relationships grounded in mutual respect, inclusion, and belonging. We foster a professional environment that balances high expectations with collaboration and support, offering opportunities for continued learning, personal growth, and professional development.

Employee Benefits

The Chestnut Hill School offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and more. Located near the Chestnut Hill station on the MBTA Green Line D branch, CHS is easily accessible by public transportation. To support sustainable commuting, the school provides MBTA passes for employees.

Our Core Competencies

All CHS employees share a commitment to four core competencies that reflect our values and shape how we work together. These competencies complement the specific skills and responsibilities of each individual role.

Kindness

Employees contribute to a positive, constructive, and respectful culture. They communicate thoughtfully and clearly with students, colleagues, families, and administrators, using language that reflects care, professionalism, and respect.

Belonging

Employees embrace the school’s mission and value the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives within our community. They promote equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in their interactions with students, families, and colleagues.

Pursuit of Knowledge

Employees approach learning as an ongoing process of inquiry, reflection, and growth. They gather and evaluate information, interpret data, identify opportunities for improvement, and use available resources to address challenges and determine appropriate next steps.

Perseverance

Employees demonstrate resilience, initiative, and a commitment to shared goals. They collaborate with colleagues, step into leadership when needed, support others as team members, and work together to overcome challenges and strengthen our community.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Chestnut Hill School is committed to equal opportunity employment. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, family structure, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in providing the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally afforded or made available to employees. The School does not discriminate in the administration of its policies or programs in violation of applicable laws or statutes. Under Massachusetts law, it is unlawful for an employer to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Employers who violate this law are subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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Position: Staff Accountant

Supervisor: Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant reconciles daily revenue, expenses, and other financial transactions for The Chestnut Hill School. Reporting to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer, the Staff Accountant supports the Business Office in maintaining sound financial practices and reliable reporting across the school. The ideal candidate is an organized, detail-oriented professional who learns new systems and software quickly, adapts readily to change, and looks for ways to make Business Office processes more efficient. The Staff Accountant serves as a trusted steward of sensitive information and maintains strict confidentiality regarding all private data, including but not limited to student, family, employee, and trustee information. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Parking is not available on-site; however, the school is located close to the Green Line “D” Branch stop, and the school will provide an MBTA pass.  

The Staff Accountant will:

Accounts Payable & Daily Accounting

• Oversee daily accounting functions, ensuring cash receipts, invoice entry, and other financial transactions are recorded accurately.
• Interface with the Business Office Associate to oversee weekly vendor payments by ACH and check
• Coordinate with the Human Resources Manager and create journal entries for payroll, benefits, disability, workers' comp, and unemployment.
• Reconcile spending on school credit cards
• Manage vendor records, including W-9 collection and annual 1099 preparation and filing
• Ensure all vendor inquiries are handled promptly and professionally

Tuition Billing & Family Accounts

• Oversee FACTS tuition billing and statement generation, and follow up on past-due balances
• Respond to family billing questions with accuracy, discretion, and care
• Coordinate records with the Enrollment Management office for enrollment and financial aid. 
• Complete monthly A/R analysis

Reconciliation, Reporting & Compliance

• Reconcile general ledger accounts monthly to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Track restricted gifts and endowment funds in accordance with nonprofit accounting standards, and work with the Advancement Office on monthly and quarterly reconciliations
• Ensure all transactions comply with the school's internal controls and with GAAP
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing, including preparation of journal entries and account analyses
• Prepare financial statements, documentation, and schedules to support the annual audit and regulatory filings

Business Office Operations & Community

• Serve as a primary resource for faculty and staff on the school's financial policies, including expense reimbursement and procurement procedures
• Work with the Business Office team to improve financial workflows and maintain organized, accurate records
• Handle confidential financial information with discretion and professionalism
• Engage with the CHS community as an active, collaborative colleague
• Additional duties as assigned by the Chief Financial & Operations Officer.
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
• 2-5 years of similar professional accounting experience, preferably in an independent or non-profit setting.
• High level of organization with proven ability to manage and prioritize tasks & projects
• Demonstrated ability to leverage technology and create efficiencies and process improvements.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel functions, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace. Familiarity with QuickBooks Online, Ramp, FACTS, or similar systems. 
• High energy, independence, integrity, honesty, sense of humor, and strong work ethic.
• Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with families, vendors, and faculty. 

The Chestnut Hill School Offers : 

• Eligibility for health, dental, and vision care benefits.
• Professional development opportunities and training.
• Easy access to public transportation (Chestnut Hill D Line stop) with paid MBTA passes.
• A collaborative team approach and supportive work environment.