Staff Accountant

Charles River School is a Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 independent school that honors the pursuit of academic excellence and the joy of childhood. We nurture each child by igniting curiosity, encouraging creativity, and cultivating intellectual engagement. Our graduates know themselves, understand others, and shape the future of our diverse world with confidence and compassion. The Staff Accountant supports the day-to-day financial operations of Charles River School, with responsibility for maintaining accurate financial records, processing and reconciling transactions, supporting accounts receivable, accounts payable, student billing, and assisting with financial reporting and month‑end and year‑end close activities. The position works closely with colleagues across the School and reports to the Director of Finance. The successful candidate will be detail‑oriented, organized, analytical, and comfortable working with financial information that requires accuracy and confidentiality. The role also involves regular interaction with faculty, staff, families, and vendors and provides support for broader Business Office needs as assigned. This position reports to the Director of Finance. Key Responsibilities Prepare journal entries, maintain accurate general ledger records, and assist with month‑end and year‑end close processes. Reconcile bank accounts, accounts receivable, and other balance sheet accounts and investigate discrepancies as needed. Support student billing and accounts receivable, including recording charges and payments, maintaining accurate account records, and responding to account‑related questions. Support accounts payable processes, including reviewing and processing invoices, maintaining accurate vendor records, and ensuring timely and accurate payments through Bill.com. Manage vendor W9’s, process vendor invoices, process monthly credit card payments, and process annual 1099 forms. Process and reconcile cash receipts and other banking activity, ensuring transactions are accurately recorded and properly documented. Prepare financial reports, reconciliation schedules, and other analyses to support the Director of Finance and Operations and the School’s financial operations. Maintain fixed asset records, including recording acquisitions and disposals, reconciling fixed asset balances, and supporting depreciation schedules. Assist with budget reporting and review, including providing financial information and analysis as requested. Support the annual financial audit by preparing schedules, documentation, and other information as needed. Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and vendors to resolve accounting questions and ensure timely and accurate financial processes. Maintain the confidentiality of financial and student information and perform other duties in support of the Business Office as assigned. Qualifications And Experience Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or a related field. Three to five years of relevant accounting experience preferred. Strong understanding of general accounting principles, financial reporting, and account reconciliation. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with Xero, Veracross or similar school accounting systems is a plus. Excellent attention to detail, organization, analytical and problem‑solving skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively and professionally with a variety of constituencies. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of confidentiality. Collaborative, service‑oriented approach and willingness to learn new systems and processes. Charles River School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, personnel policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs and athletic and other school‑administered programs. It is the policy of Charles River School to admit students of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin. #J-18808-Ljbffr Association of Independent Schools in New England