Senior Accountant

Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS); St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MICDS, a premier independent school in St. Louis, seeks a Senior Accountant to oversee complete general accounting duties under the Director of Finance. The role emphasizes accuracy, internal controls, and timely reporting.

Seven years of accounting experience plus a Bachelor's in accounting are required. You will interact with multiple departments and lead ad hoc projects while maintaining strict confidentiality and alignment with school policies.

Qualifications

• Seven years of accounting, account analysis, and process improvement experience.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 (advanced Excel) and ERP/financial systems.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; ability to handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger, prepare and review journal entries, ensure correct accounting period allocations.
• Support year-end audit by preparing schedules and documentation; respond to auditor requests.
• Analyze monthly results versus budget, research variances, and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with Athletics, Admissions, Bookstore, Development, Facilities, HR to resolve accounting questions; communicate policies.

Skills

Accounting experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft 365 Excel

Job description

MICDS has a rich and distinctive history spanning more than 150 years. A leader in independent education, MICDS is a college-prep, coeducational school for grades JK-12. Our mission is to help students discover their unique talents, preparing them for higher education and a life of purpose and service as engaged citizens in our ever-changing world.

Employee Benefits

MICDS offers employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits plan, including a generous 403(b) retirement plan where the School contributes 8% of salary with an employee's 3% contribution; medical, dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts and long term care insurance; life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurances; tuition benefit; paid leaves; access to a fitness center; and free lunch.

EOE.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant, under the direction of the Director of Finance, is responsible for the School's complete and accurate general accounting responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintain the general ledger by preparing and reviewing journal entries, verifying account coding, and ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and in the appropriate accounting period
• Support the fiscal year-end audit by preparing schedules and supporting documentation, responding to auditor requests, and assisting with the resolution of findings
• Analyze monthly financial results versus budget and trends, research variances, and resolve issues
• Collaborate with other departments (Athletics, Admissions, Bookstore, Development, Facilities, Human Resources) to resolve accounting questions, obtain supporting documentation, and communicate financial policies and procedures
• Review payroll reports for accuracy, prepare related journal entries, and reconcile payroll tax reports to support timely and accurate reporting
• Support cash management and controls including endowment and temporarily restricted transactions, bank and investment account reconciliations, transfers, and debt reporting
• Prepare and review bank, investment, employee benefit, and other account reconciliations investigating discrepancies and recording any necessary corrections
• Compile information for various benchmarking exercises and surveys
• Maintain property and lease records and perform related accounting and reporting procedures
• Review accounting processes and systems to improve accuracy, efficiency, and timely access to financial information
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls by documenting accounting procedures, identifying risks or weaknesses, and recommending processes improvements
• Assist in the preparation and filing of tax returns
• Ensure compliance with all financial policies and procedures
• Lead ad hoc projects as requested
• Ensure strict confidentiality in all duties
• Support the mission of the School
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the School's discretion

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven years of accounting, account analysis, process improvement, and systems experience, ideally in an independent school, higher education institution, or non-profit organization
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 (advanced Excel/spreadsheet modeling), other software and cloud-based financial management systems/ERPs
• Bachelor's degree in accounting
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple functions, activities, and projects to prioritize duties to ensure accurate and timely completion
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and best practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent relationship skills with proven knowledge of how to work effectively and professionally with all levels of internal and external constituents
• Proven ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines
• High level of professionalism to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to work additional hours when needed

OTHER INFORMATION

• A criminal history and background check is required and must be successfully completed
• Generally works in standard office conditions and climate
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.