Staff Accountant

The Staff Accountant works with all aspects of accounting data for monthly and annual ledger closing.  This includes preparing journal entries for monthly ledger closing, reconciling bank statements, and preparing and reconciling monthly investment accounts and reporting.  The Staff Accountant works in the Business Office on a full-time basis and reports to the Comptroller.

General overview of responsibilities:

• Prepare and post monthly and recurring journal entries to support the month-end close:

  • Standard monthly journal entries

  • Campus Store/Snack Bar

    • Calculate sales tax from sales. Post sales and COGS

    • Review monthly inventory reports compared to the General Ledger

  • Endowment related journal entries

  • Receive, review for accuracy and post the monthly payroll journal entry

• Maintain fixed asset additions, disposals and depreciation

• Execute monthly analysis and reconciliations of most balance sheet accounts and resolve discrepancies, including the operating and endowment bank accounts

• Execute monthly utilities analysis and resolve discrepancies

• Review analysis and reconciliations prepared by AR and AP for accuracy

• Monitor daily operating bank transactions and forward transaction information to appropriate coworkers as necessary

• Review and prepare quarterly internal financial statements and submit to our banking institution

• Review weekly check disbursement requests for accuracy

• Review VISA transactions for accurate GL postings 

• Reconcile weekly:

  • Campus Store and Snack Bar cash drawer balances

  • Student bank activity

• Prepare and file IL sales tax monthly

• Monitor and manage Adavico endowment reporting

• Assist with endowment reporting to Advancement

• Provide budget reports as requested by departments and resolve any issues

• Prepare and submit financial surveys

• Assist in preparing for the annual audit and collaborate with the auditors during the audit

• Assist in reviewing the annual audit and 990 drafts

• Perform other duties as assigned by management

• Assist colleagues

• Strengthen and grow relationships with outside vendors, banking institutions and internal departments

• Ensure the accuracy of the school’s financial documents

• Assist in streamlining and improving Business Office processes

• Exercise integrity and confidentiality in financial reporting

• Comply with national and local financial regulations

Qualifications

• High level of accuracy, efficiency and accountability

• Attention to detail

• Thoroughness

• Organization

• Strong analytic abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to analyze and research data and resolve discrepancies

• Ability to seek out information and resolve issues

• Strong time management, planning and organizational skills

• Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines

• Ability to multitask in a deadline driven environment and shift priorities as needed

• Ability to build relationships with customers and internal departments

• Dedicated team-player who can also work independently

• Solid accounting knowledge required to prepare monthly journal entries

• Display empathy and positive regard for others in written, verbal and non-verbal communications

• Work effectively with colleagues and students by practicing punctuality, respect for deadlines, collaborative problem solving, and honest communication

• Build trusting relationships by acting with integrity, courtesy, and responsibility, even in the face of stress or demanding workplace conditions

• Maintain proficiency as needed and approved by attending training, reading job-related materials, and meeting with others in the area of responsibility

• Dress appropriately for a workplace with frequent customer service interaction and community outreach

• Meet all required standards of confidentiality and safety

• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner

Required experience and/or education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as an accountant.  

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and database proficiency; Veracross software experience is a plus. 

• Detail oriented, with accurate data entry skills.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational, analytical and problem solving skills.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. The employee must be able to climb a flight of stairs, there are no elevators.  Minimum physical exertion. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 75% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, phone, and similar machines.   

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time salaried non-exempt position.  Public office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though additional hours including evenings and weekends may be required.  

Compensation

This is a permanent year-round position with 30 days of PTO per fiscal year.  Lake Forest Academy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes full medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and more.  Final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate. 

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Employment at Lake Forest Academy is "at-will," which means either you or Lake Forest Academy may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason without prior notice. 

In accordance with Lake Forest Academy’s policies and state and federal law, receipt of this position is contingent upon the individual’s successful completion of all requirements to establish the legal right to work in the United States, as well as a background check.  In the event Lake Forest Academy has not received a complete background check prior to the first day of employment, employment will be on a temporary basis until such results are successfully completed.

Non-discrimination Policy:

Lake Forest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. This means Lake Forest Academy will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, color, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, transitioned, transitioning or perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

Lake Forest Academy reasonably accommodates employees and/or applicants with disabilities, provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation, you must inform Lake Forest Academy’s Director of Human Resources.