Finance Associate

Title: Finance Associate Classification: Non-Exempt Department: Finance Office Status: Full Time Reports to: Controller; Hired by: Head of Schools School Description Founded in Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls) are independent, Catholic, single‑sex elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith‑based community. The educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200‑year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in 30 countries, including 24 schools in the United States. The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Our girls and boys are taught in single‑sex classrooms but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities. With a total enrollment of approximately 510 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions each led by a division head. Position Description The Finance Associate upholds the mission of the Network Sacred Heart Schools as expressed in the Goals and Criteria and the mission statement of Sacred Heart Schools as approved by the Board of Trustees. The position’s area of focus is working closely with the Controller to execute the various daily administrative functions of the Finance Office and Accounts Payable as well as is fully supportive of the Schools' mission, standards, and policies. The Controller may modify responsibilities to align with the current priorities and demands of the finance department. Essential Job Functions Accounts Payable, Accounting, and other Administration Prepare monthly financial schedules, reconciliations, journal entries, and accruals. Track and maintain contractual agreements/payments with outside vendors. Work with the Development office to track and reconcile donations. Prepare schedules, conduct analysis, and complete other tasks as assigned related to the yearly audit. Work with the School’s treasury management service to ensure accurate accounts payable for imports and deposits. Process vendor payments and employee reimbursements by preparing and scheduling checks. Work in tandem with staff accountant for preparation of the monthly bank reconciliation. Resolve discrepancies related to purchase orders, contracts, invoices, and payments. Ensure receipt of refunds for returned items. Clear payments in accounting systems and monitor outstanding checks. Purchasing Order supplies and make professional development reservations for faculty and teachers, using Purchase Orders. Customer Service and Office Support Greet visitors, respond to questions, resolve issues or redirect as appropriate. Answer incoming phone calls for the Finance office, finding solutions to calls or directing them to other appropriate individuals. Maintain the integrity of Finance Office documents, including filing and organization, as well as managing and adhering to the school’s document retention policies. School Programs Support Manage the weekly lunch program and snack counts including reviewing submissions. Support bus program with registration, pricing and profitability analysis. Process and coordinate field trips and bus transportation requirements. Manage the tracking and receipt of required documents, forms, and payments for school sponsored trips and programs. Coordinate with Student Life to help manage registration for after school classes, bus, and lunch. Qualities and Requirements Bachelor’s degree required, major in accounting or finance preferred. 1‑3 years of accounting/bookkeeping experience preferred. Excellent communication skills with service orientation. Continuous striving for process improvement and quality outcomes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, particularly strong Excel skills. Experience with Blackbaud software (Financial Edge), Raiser's Edge a plus. Highly motivated, ethical and eager to learn. Demonstrate good organization and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize and multi‑task effectively. Enjoy working both independently and as a member of a team. Pay Range $42,000 - $48,000 Based on experience and level of education. Benefits Retirement Benefits Dental insurance Health insurance Tuition Remission Paid time off Vision insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Parental Leave Life Insurance Sacred Heart Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. #J-18808-Ljbffr