Finance Specialist

Reports to the Controller. This position is classified as a staff role and does not serve on the Senior Leadership Team. About Us SouthLake Christian Academy is an established JK-12 Christian school in the Lake Norman area of Charlotte, North Carolina. Our school has earned an excellent reputation for its unwavering dedication to Christian education, robust academic programs, and its focus on developing the character of its students. Our faculty and staff are instrumental in carrying out our mission and vision while demonstrating our core values. To learn more, visit our website: OUR MISSION SouthLake Christian Academy exists for the sake of God's glory and mission; proclaiming the gospel, educating and discipling the whole person in all aspects of God's reality. OUR VISION That Christ may be preeminent in all things (Colossians 1:18). OUR VALUES Respect, Integrity, Kindness, and Joy OUR STRATEGIC ANCHORS Centering Christ, Building Trust, Improving Services APPLICANTS SouthLake Christian Academy is accepting applications for Finance Specialist. All interested and qualified applicants will be considered for this opportunity. Please clearly outline your qualifications and expertise in your application profile. We seek highly motivated, collaborative professionals who are committed to supporting our students, families, colleagues, and broader school community with excellence, integrity, and care. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and a customer-service mindset aligned with SouthLake's mission and values. DEADLINE Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may be deactivated at any time. Please apply as soon as possible if interested. Failure to answer the supplemental questions will result in disqualification. All application materials will be evaluated to determine the most qualified candidates. INTERVIEWS Qualified applicants will be contacted by Human Resources if the screening committee determines your application meets the needs of the school. The selection process may include one or more rounds of interviews. THE ROLE The Finance Specialist supports the daily financial operations of SouthLake's business office, from a single invoice or tuition payment through the monthly close. The role processes transactions, keeps the school's financial records accurate, assists with payroll, budgeting, and reporting, and serves parents, faculty, staff, and vendors with their financial questions. Accurate financial records support the school's mission and operational excellence. Every payment processed, gift recorded, and account reconciled contributes to responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to SouthLake by families and donors. The Finance Specialist works under the direction of the Controller, within the school's established accounting procedures and internal controls, and alongside colleagues in admissions, advancement, human resources, and school leadership. IDEAL CANDIDATE Experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or finance is required, and experience in a school, church, or nonprofit setting is preferred. The ideal candidate has carried the daily work of an accounting office and can show records that were right the first time: reconciliations that tie out, invoices coded correctly and paid on time, an audit request answered with the documentation ready. They handle confidential information about families and employees with discretion and integrity. They explain a tuition balance or a payment plan to a parent clearly and with compassion. They keep payroll, the month-end close, and a family's billing question all moving without letting any of them slip. They work a discrepancy through to its cause and bring it to the Controller early when it needs a decision. They are good colleagues to the business office and the departments it serves. They understand the importance of managing school resources responsibly and with integrity. Essential Functions The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment. Supporting the Controller Prepares journal entries and assists the Controller with month-end close activities, so each month's books are complete and ready for review on schedule. Maintains general ledger accuracy and generates routine financial reports and supporting schedules for the Controller's review. Supports annual budget preparation and forecasting activities, monitors spending trends, and identifies variances for the Controller. Assists with annual audit preparation and documentation requests, and supports accreditation, audit, and regulatory requirements. Centering Christ Supports and upholds SouthLake's mission, vision, and core values through professional excellence, integrity, and responsible management of school resources. Records contributions and donor-restricted gifts accurately and ensures every charitable contribution is properly documented. Assists with tracking designated funds, scholarships, and grants so each is used as the giver intended and supports fundraising and advancement reporting needs. Building Trust Adheres to established accounting procedures and internal controls and verifies coding and approvals according to school policies. Performs monthly bank and credit card reconciliations, reconciles vendor statements, and resolves discrepancies. Maintains accurate student billing records within the school's tuition management system. Maintains organized financial records and supporting documentation and assists with compliance reporting and financial record retention. Maintains the confidentiality of financial, employee, and student information. Maintains financial databases and reporting tools. Improving Services Processes invoices, reimbursements, and vendor payments accurately and on time. Processes tuition and fee payments, monitors accounts receivable balances, and follows up on outstanding accounts. Assists families with tuition payment plans and billing inquiries and prepares receivable aging reports for management review. Assists with payroll preparation and processing, maintains employee payroll records and documentation, processes employee reimbursements and payroll-related adjustments, and supports benefit and retirement plan administration as directed. Provides timely, accurate, and professional support to parents, faculty, staff, and vendors regarding financial matters. Working Across the School Collaborates with the admissions, advancement, human resources, and school leadership teams on the financial side of their work. Assists department leaders with budget tracking and expense monitoring. HOW THE ROLE IS MEASURED Expectations are set each year with the Controller. The Finance Specialist is accountable for: Financial transactions processed accurately and on time. Monthly reconciliations and routine reports completed on schedule. Tuition collection and account management performance. Customer service feedback from families and staff. Compliance with school policies and financial controls. Successful support of annual audits and financial reviews. Financial records and documentation maintained accurately. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Be sure to clearly indicate your highest level of education. Minimum 23 years of accounting, bookkeeping, or finance experience. Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Excellent customer service and communication abilities. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly. Be sure to upload a current resume and answer all supplemental questions to indicate relevant experience and any areas of expertise. A personal commitment to follow Jesus Christ, and faithful involvement in a local church that agrees with SouthLake's Statement of Faith. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in a private school, Christian school, church, or nonprofit organization. Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks Online. Experience with FACTS financial management, Ramp, or similar financial systems. Understanding of tuition management and financial aid processes. COMPENSATION Salary Is Negotiable Based On Individual Qualifications. Please direct any questions about the role to the Acting Controller, Yolonda Mason, at View email address on click.appcast.io. For application support, contact the Director of Human Resources, Jennifer Ramos, at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr