Financial Operations Assistant (part-time)

River Valley Christian School; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

River Valley Christian School is seeking a detail-oriented accounting support specialist to help manage accounts payable, expense management, billing, and collections. You will be a trusted contact for parent account inquiries and ensure accurate recordkeeping.

The role collaborates with staff to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and excellent service during routine operations and transitions, while supporting reconciliations and compliance with internal controls.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in accounting or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• 2 years of accounting/bookkeeping experience; school or nonprofit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process vendor invoices, approvals, coding, and documentation.
• Manage accounts payable, billing, and collections with timely processing.
• Support general ledger entries and reconciliations.
• Maintain organized records supporting audits and reviews.
• Assist with ad-hoc projects and compliance with internal controls.

Skills

GAAP understanding

Attention to detail

Communication

Organization

Customer service mindset

Independence

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

Associate's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Blackbaud

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Responsible forsupporting the financial health of River Valley Christian School by assisting with accounts payable, expense management, billing, collections, and daily financial transactions while serving as a trusted point of contact for parent account inquiries. Ensure accurate recordkeeping, timely processing, and adherence to internal controls, while also supporting reconciliations and compliance efforts. The position works collaboratively with others to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and excellent service during routine operations and periods of transition.

Essential Roles & Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Accounts Payable

• Process vendor invoices, secure and verify required approvals, and ensure accurate coding and supporting documentation
• Serve as a resource for staff submitting or approving payment requests and invoices by answering questions regarding coding, documentation, payment status, and processes
• Monitor A/P aging, assist with vendor and requisitioner inquiries, and support timely payments
• Serve as backup to the Director for Positive Pay and ACH Filter processing, ensuring continuity of fraud-prevention controls

Credit Card Administration

• Assist with administration of employee credit/purchase cards through communication with cardholder communication, timely processing, receipt collection, coding, and dispute resolution
• Assist in monitoring compliance with school purchasing, receipt, and documentation policies and requirements and follow up as needed

Collections & Billing

• Assist with collections for past-due tuition and fees, including respectful outreach to families and payment plan follow-up as needed
• Prepare and issue monthly and miscellaneous billings, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution

Parent Account Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact for parent questions regarding invoices, payments, and account balances
• Provide clear, compassionate, and professional communication while resolving account questions and concerns in a timely manner

General Ledger & Reconciliations

• Prepare and post non-automated general ledger entries from various sources
• Assist with account reconciliations to ensure accuracy of financial reporting
• Process bank deposits, preparing deposit packets, reconciling, and transporting deposits as needed.
• Book deposits accurately in the accounting system; reconcile daily receipts to ledger entries

Process, Compliance & Other

• Maintain organized digital records supporting audits and reviews.
• Follow internal controls and finance policies; recommend improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist with ad-hoc projects and special assignmentsas needed to support the Finance Department and transitions to new systems.

Spiritual Formation

• Model biblical values, Christlike character, and faithful stewardship in all interactions with students, families, faculty, staff, vendors, and community members
• Encourage spiritual growth through prayer, positive relationships, and a service-minded approach to the school community
• Demonstrate a personal commitment to Christian faith through active participation in a local Bible-based church
• Support the spiritual mission of the school by demonstrating excellence, honesty, humility, compassion, and the fruit of the Spirit in daily work and relationships

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Required:

• Solid understanding of bookkeeping principles, GAAP, and basic accounting practices
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, transaction processing, and reconciliations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professional and compassionate parent-facing communication
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate, orderly, and confidential files and records
• Strong customer service mindset with sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and meet multiple deadlines in a service-oriented environment
• Ability to work independently, exercise self-discipline, and follow established procedures
• High level of integrity in handling confidential financial and family information
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team while maintaining appropriate independence and confidentiality
• Ability to interpret data, perform calculations, and identify discrepancies
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., Blackbaud or similar systems) and online banking portals
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel for spreadsheets, formulas, data analysis, and pivot tables, as well as Word and email platforms such as Gmail or Outlook

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree in accounting, business, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience
• 2 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, or business office operations; school or nonprofit experience preferred

Salary Information

• $20- $25 per hour / 20-25 hours per week