Description

Job Title: Accountant

Location: Cooke School and Institute, 1713 Madison Avenue, NY, NY

Job Type: Full-Time (40 hour work week)

About Us

Our prestigious independent school in Manhattan is dedicated to providing an exceptional educational and developmental experience for children with disabilities. We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Accountant to join our dynamic finance team. This position is vital to maintaining the financial health of our institution and supporting our mission.

Position Overview

The Accountant will be responsible for managing various accounting tasks to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records towards the completion of accounting cycles. This role involves performing a wide range of accounting activities, including accounts receivable, payroll recording, benefits reconciliation, budget tracking, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting background, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a school environment.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable

• Prepare and maintain tuition billing to parents

• Prepare and maintain Cooke Institute billing

• Monitor and reconcile all accounts receivable balances

• Other treasury duties

Accounts Payable

• Review operational and capital expense coding

• AP Support in the absence of finance team member

• Process tuition refunds

Payroll and Benefits Recording

• Prepare journal entries for bi-weekly/semi monthly payrolls

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations

• Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records and resolve any discrepancies using monthly benefits reconciliation reports

Budgeting and Financial Reporting

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts

• Monitor budget performance and report on variances

• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statement

• Conduct financial analysis and provide insights to the CFO

General Ledger Maintenance

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data

• Perform month-end and year-end closing procedures

Compliance and Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements

• Assist with external audits and provide necessary documentation

• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets

Other Duties

• Collaborate with other departments to support school operations

• Participate in special projects and initiatives as needed

• Provide administrative support related to financial operations

• Processing of School Mandated Services funding requests

• Other duties assigned by the CFO

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• At least 3 years of accounting experience, preferably in an educational or non-profit setting

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Blackbaud) and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel

• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards

Professional Skills Required

• Excellent time management

• Must be detailed oriented, circumspect with high integrity

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to keep company information and records confidential

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills

Professional Knowledge Required

• Knowledge of basic principles of accounting and finance

• Knowledge of the use of accounting softwares (preferably Quickbooks online), spreadsheets and office suite software

Professional Abilities Required

• Clear communicator – Able to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing

• Responsible – Able to meet deadlines and respond to requests in a timely manner. Able to be on time for work and on time for meetings

• Customer Service-Oriented – Embodies a ‘service leadership’ mindset to support the School as needed

• Professional – Able to present a warm demeanor and always treat others with respect. Able to use discretion in supporting confidentiality and maintaining the desired culture

• Willing to learn – Dedicated to continuous professional growth and leads on one’s own learning

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience

• Fully paid health insurance coverage with employer HSA contributions

• Fully paid Life Insurance, Long Term and Enhanced Short Term Disability Insurance

• Dental, Vision, and other third-party insurances (i.e.Colonial)

• Pre-tax transit, parking and dependent care benefits

• Comprehensive wellness program i.e. premium Calm App, Questis financial coaching

• Retirement plan with employer contribution/match up to 4.5% after one year

• 10 days of vacation

• 12 PTO days 

• Paid Federal and DOE holidays

• DOE School breaks of at least 15 days

• Years of Service and holiday bonuses

• Professional development opportunities

• Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees

Application Deadline: August 15, 2024

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and skilled General Accountant to our team to support the financial well-being of our school and contribute to the success of our students and community.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional but collegial school office environment. This role routinely uses, but not limited to, standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, postage machines

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; lift (10-25 lbs); use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms

Travel

This position does not require travel other than for professional development.

Professional Development

All Cooke staff are responsible for developing a professional growth plan with their supervisor. Staff training is an integral part of the Cooke School and as such is a requirement of the job. All staff must at a minimum: attend all scheduled Staff Development activities throughout the year and participate in staff orientation scheduled for the last week in August.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement

The Cooke School and Institute provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Cooke complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The Cooke School and Institute expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Cooke’s employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.

Qualifications