Business Office Accounting Specialist

Saint John's High School; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint John's High School is seeking a detail-oriented Business Office Accounting Specialist to support essential functions such as tuition billing, financial reconciliations, and general ledger accounting. This role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of financial operations while contributing to the School's commitment to serve students and families effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Experience in independent schools or nonprofit accounting is preferred.
• Proficiency in financial systems and strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage student tuition accounts and collections.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and assist in closing the general ledger.
• Support families with financial inquiries and assist with business office functions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Discretion

Financial reporting

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Clarity Tuition

Blackbaud Financial Edge

Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Saint John’s High School seeks a detail-oriented, mission-driven Business Office Accounting Specialist to support key business office functions, including tuition billing and collections, financial reconciliations, and general ledger accounting. This role is central to ensuring the integrity of financial operations and upholding the School’s commitment to excellence in service to students, families, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

Tuition Billing and Collections

• Manage student tuition accounts, including invoicing, payment plans, adjustments, and collections.
• Support families in navigating the tuition process, including financial aid.
• Utilize and maintain tuition management software, preferably Clarity Tuition.
• Provide periodic reports to the CFO and Head of School on outstanding collection issues.
  
  

General Accounting Functions

• Prepare and post monthly journal entries, including recurring and adjusting entries, with familiarity with Blackbaud Financial Edge or similar systems.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and assist in reconciling investment accounts.
• Maintain and reconcile the School’s fixed asset register, including depreciation schedules and audit preparation.
• Assist with the monthly closing of the general ledger and distribution of financial reports.
  
  

Donations and Pledge Reconciliation

• Reconcile restricted and unrestricted donations with the Advancement Office, including pledges and outstanding receivables.
• Ensure proper classification and documentation of gifts in collaboration with Advancement staff, ideally using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or similar systems.
  
  

Auxiliary Revenue Tracking

• Maintain accurate accounting for auxiliary program revenues, including summer camps, facility rentals, bookstore, student activities, and other non-tuition income streams.
• Reconcile related deposits, track outstanding receivables, and provide periodic reports to the CFO and program leads.
  
  

Administrative and Support Duties

• Collaborate with the Business Office team to provide timely reporting and respond to family inquiries.
• Support internal stakeholders with financial data for retreats, events, and trips as needed.
• Assist with other business office functions, including phone coverage, periodic reporting, and annual audit coordination, as assigned.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant accounting and financial operations experience.
• Experience in independent schools or nonprofit accounting is preferred.
• Proficiency in Clarity Tuition or comparable tuition billing and collection system.
• Proficiency in Blackbaud Financial Edge and Raiser’s Edge or comparable systems.
• Strong attention to detail, discretion, and a commitment to the School’s Catholic mission.
  
  

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Timothy J. Barrett, Chief Financial Officer Email:? [e-mail]