Senior Accountant - Houston - The Kinkaid School

Description

The Senior Accountant is an integral part of the Business Office, serves as a primary support to the Director of Finance and Controller in maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the School's financial records. This role plays a critical part in ensuring timely financial reporting, managing general ledger activity, and supporting the annual audit and tax preparation processes.

Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Controller, the Senior Accountant is responsible for preparing journal entries, reconciliations, internal financial reports, and audit schedules; and ensuring that financial transactions adhere to GAAP, internal controls, and non-profit accounting standards.

The Kinkaid School is a co-educational, nonsectarian day school enrolling over 1,500 students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The student body is divided into the Lower School (PreK - 4th Grade), the Middle School (5th grade - 8th grade), and the Upper School (9th grade - 12th grade). Located on a sixty-five-acre campus in the heart of Houston, Texas, Kinkaid offers a thriving intellectual community in the midst of a vibrant, urban, and diverse culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Audit and Tax Compliance

• Prepare key audit schedules, supporting documentation, and analysis for the year-end financial audit.
• Assist in preparing materials for tax filings, including Form 990, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Financial Reporting and General Ledger Management

• Support the Director of Finance and Controller in the preparation of internal financial statements, including analysis of the budget to actual variances.
• Prepare, analyze, and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring the accuracy of financial data.
• Reconcile bank and cash accounts in accordance with school policies. Prepare, post, and reconcile accounting entries.
• Ensure the accurate and timely recording of transactions for various auxiliary services, including the Parents' Association, Booster Club, One-Stop Shopping, School Store, concessions for Athletics and Visual and Performing Arts, and the Sarofim Dining and Learning Center.

Accounting Recording and Reconciliation

• Record fixed assets and prepare account reconciliations related to capital assets and construction in progress.
• Assist with tracking restricted gifts, ensuring proper allocation and reporting of all funds according to donor restrictions and school guidelines.
• Prepare, post, and ensure accurate coding and approval of expense transactions related to the School's credit card program.

Supervisory and Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day supervision, technical guidance, and work coordination for the Assistant Accountant.
• Support performance development, ensure adherence to accounting standards and internal controls, and promote consistent, accurate, and timely completion of assigned duties.

Accounts Payable and Receivable Support

• Serve as a backup for the accounts payable function, supporting continuity in the department's operations.
• Assist with troubleshooting of variances, exceptions, and unusual transactions originating from AP/AR before escalating to the Director of Finance and Controller.

Internal Controls, Compliance, and Process Integrity

• Ensure adherence to the School's accounting policies, procedures, and internal control standards.
• Support the Director of Finance and Controller in strengthening financial controls and improving documentation.
• Stay current on GAAP updates and non-profit accounting standards, ensuring the School's accounting practices align with industry requirements.

Professional Development

• Participate in educational and professional development opportunities to stay informed about industry standards and best practices.
• Maintain a high standard of professional ethics, confidentiality, accuracy, and service to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in business, or equivalent is required. CPA certification preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting. Previous non-profit accounting or audit experience are desirable.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products and other computerized accounting and business systems (experience with Blackbaud is a plus).
• The successful candidate must possess advanced analytical skills and the ability to perform financial analysis and high-level account reconciliations with exceptional accuracy and attention to detail across multiple funds, accounts, and financial systems.
• The ability to assist with administering various online technologies used in the department would be an asset.
• Create and maintain a warm, supportive environment where colleagues, parents, and other community members are patiently, flexibly, and enthusiastically served.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Highest regard for confidentiality, exemplary ethical standards, integrity, and respect for others.

The Kinkaid School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law, The Kinkaid School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Submit all correspondence including your cover letter, resume, and application through The Kinkaid School application portal. Please no emails or phone calls to submit your candidacy or show interest.