Independent Schools of Saint Louis

Senior Accountant Miriam School and Learning Center

Job Title
Senior Accountant

Function
Business office

Classification​
Exempt, Full-time

Reports to
Accounting Manager

 

Job Description

Position Summary
The Senior Accountant supports the financial health of Miriam School and Learning Center by ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance with policies, and providing strategic financial guidance. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, this role includes managing the general ledger, overseeing financial reporting, and contributing to the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures. Success in this role requires a solid understanding of GAAP, experience in school finance, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Maintain the integrity of financial records by accurately recording, verifying, consolidating, and entering transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, investments, contracts, payroll, billing, donations, and debt.
  • Prepare financial data and analyses to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and resolve discrepancies.
  • Research, analyze, and apply relevant accounting standards and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Develop annual budgets in collaboration with program directors, aligning with Miriam’s core values and program needs.
  • Manage billing processes as the software expert, respond to inquiries, and initiate collections with empathy and professionalism.
  • Administer procurement processes, ensuring accurate and timely vendor payments, appropriate documentation, approvals, and 1099 reporting.
  • Prepare and process semi-monthly payroll accurately, verifying compensation, benefits, and deductions.
  • Assist in year-end audits, periodic external audits, tax filings, and annual surveys by preparing necessary documentation.
  • Coordinate with program directors to maintain accurate accounting across departments.
  • Analyze and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
  • Provide cross-training to support team members in financial operations as needed.
  • Safeguard organizational information by maintaining confidentiality and ensuring accuracy.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and at least five years of accounting experience required; supervisory experience preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, with familiarity in nonprofit and school finance a plus.
  • Proficient in QuickBooks and Excel; experience with Blackbaud and FACTS systems preferred.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, parents, students, and volunteers.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and effective collaboration abilities.
  • Demonstrated reliability, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Self-starter with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Working Conditions

  • Full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (or as agreed with your supervisor).
  • Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment.
  • Physical demands: Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, talk, and hear. May occasionally lift or move items up to 20 pounds.

Additional Requirements

  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to travel between Miriam locations as needed
  • Successful completion of a background check, reference checks, education verification, and applicable skills assessments.

Other Duties
This job description is not exhaustive and may be updated as necessary. The employee may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned. Miriam reserves the right to revise job responsibilities to meet the evolving needs of the organization.