Accounting Manager

Job Title: Accounting Manager

Date: October 2024

OUR ORGANIZATION

Brookwood is an Early Childhood through Grade 8 independent school of about 300 students located on a beautiful 30-acre wooded campus in Manchester, MA on the coast approximately 25 miles north of Boston. At Brookwood, kids come first—not the test, not trophies, not to-do lists.

We know how kids learn best. Every day, we use our expertise to challenge kids intellectually and ensure they feel valued so that they can grow into their best selves. Our program focuses on building 21 st century skills and graduating students of conscience, character, compassion, and cultural competence. Brookwood also offers a playful, collaborative work environment for 85 faculty and staff who go the extra mile to do what is best for kids.

OUR MISSION

To foster a joyful community of lifelong learners and upstanding global citizens who embrace a culture of curiosity, kindness, and academic accomplishment.

OUR COMMITMENT

At Brookwood, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging centers on striving to cultivate belonging, dignity and respect, and advance just outcomes for all members of our community. We are committed to honoring people’s multiple identities, including but not limited to ability, age, appearance, ethnicity, family structure, gender expression, gender identity, nation of origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We actively work to be an antiracist and inclusive school.

THE ROLE

The Accounting Manager will be responsible for partnering on the accounting, audit, and day-to- day functions to ensure timely and accurate financials. The Accounting Manager is an integral and critical part of the Business Office at Brookwood School, working closely with its two additional members along with a wide variety of faculty and staff from across the school. The Accounting Manager will lead the development of process improvements and identify areas to streamline workflows to create efficiencies and optimize best practices. The Accounting Manager reports directly to the Director of Finance & Operations (DFO).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monthly close and reconciliation of bank, investment, exchange, and balance sheet accounts including reconciliation of payroll, student billing, and payable / disbursement activity (including credit cards) entering accounting data and monthly journal entries where appropriate
• Ensure the accurate recording of fundraising activities and reconcile to the general ledger
• Track school enrollment and reconcile to receivables and tuition billing
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Manage cash receipts and accounts payable along with record keeping of fixed assets
• Assist in and support the annual budget process including the preparation of reports and working with administrators and departments regarding budget performance and inquiries
• Provide relevant financial information and assist in the filing of all federal and informational returns along with annual audits (financial, 990, 403(b), 1099s, Workers’ Comp, etc.)
• Provide covenant calculations as required for banks and lenders
• Collaborate to oversee, manage, and maintain financial internal controls and maintain financial records in accordance with the school’s record retention policy
• Back-up coverage business office functions as needed
• Other duties and projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics or a related field, CPA preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience in a non-profit, education, private school environment; experience in a public accounting firm is desirable
• Technical proficiencies: Fluency in Blackbaud, Excel, Google docs, MS Word
• Exposure to accounting for investments and endowment spending
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate with staff and faculty at all levels
• Proven creative, critical, and analytical thinking geared toward process improvement
• Demonstrated ability and interpersonal skills to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience working for an independent elementary school a plus, but not a requirement
• A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality; needs to have a history as a team player who is committed to continuous improvement and is a deeply curious learner

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

Unquestionable integrity and proven ability to treat sensitive information with discretion

Outstanding problem solving, analytical, and organizational skills

Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize competing and multiple priorities with a calm demeanor and sound judgement

Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships and collaborating across all levels of the organization

Proficiency in and commitment to antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion

To Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should email a cover letter, résumé and list of five (at least three professional) references with contact information to Alli Moore, Executive Assistant to the Head of School (amoore@brookwood.edu).

We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ candidates, and candidates from communities that are historically underrepresented in independent schools. We are committed to an inclusive school experience for all those who come to work at Brookwood.