Senior Bookkeeper

Nichols College; Dudley (MA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Needham Public Schools is seeking a detail-oriented Bookkeeper to support Needham High School Offices and other departments. The role involves handling accounts payable/receivable, payroll data, and budget oversight under supervision of the Finance & Operations leadership.

The candidate should have a high school diploma or GED with 2 years bookkeeping experience; associates in accounting can substitute. Prior experience in a school setting is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Requires confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Experience in bookkeeping and financial record-keeping.
• Familiarity with school or governmental accounting practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor school budgets with district directors.
• Oversee and coordinate expenses from multiple accounts (operating, grants, capital).
• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions with proper documentation.
• Ensure proper coding of transactions and perform regular account reconciliations.
• Prepare and interpret financial activity reports for staff.
• Assist with payroll processing and time/effort certifications.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Financial software

Accounting principles

Confidentiality

Time management

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates Degree in Accounting/Bookkeeping

Tools

Financial software

Job description

and the job listing Expires on September 18, 2026

Job Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Needham High School Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, the position will perform bookkeeping work for Needham High School Offices, as well as other NPS departments and accounts, as assigned. Essential functions and duties include the following tasks. (Please note that omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Works with the Director(s) to develop and monitor school budgets.
• Oversees the preparation and coordination of expenses from school operating, special revenue (grant/donation/revolving), capital and student activity accounts.
• Oversees and monitors school petty cash allocation, if applicable.
• Processes accounts payable transactions: creates purchase requisition requests; prepares and assembles procurement and contract documentation for applicable transactions; receives and verifies the delivery of goods and services; collects and prepares invoice documentation for payment; works with Business Office to ensure payment is made for proper items.
• Processes accounts receivable transactions: receives and processes funds for deposit in accordance with cash management procedures; prepares and assembles transmittal documentation (cash receipts, deposit tickets, receipt logs, cash drawer. reconciliation sheets, ticket sales reconciliations, etc.); creates miscellaneous billing for fee-based programs as assigned.
• Ensures proper coding of transactions, in consultation with the Business Office. Performs account reconciliations on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Prints, distributes and interprets financial activity reports.
• Participates in periodic training for school bookkeepers, conducted by the Business Office.
• Provides information and assistance to staff members on financial/accounting issues, position authorization, policy and procedures.
• Works cooperatively with the Business Office to ensure school-wide compliance with financial and administrative policies and procedures.
• Collects, verifies and submits payroll information for processing.
• Maintains information about authorized positions.
• Assists the Director(s) with position requisition requests, as directed.
• Maintains the integrity of school data, including the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Assists with time and effort certifications (as required).
• Provides support and assistance to staff members in areas of records retention, insurance and accident claims, procurement, etc.
• Prepares claims for local, state and/or federal reimbursement, as assigned.
• Maintains/submits documentation required by state and federal agencies.
• Provides information and assistance to school auditors, as directed.
• Works cooperatively with the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations to perform internal audits of school accounts and functions.
• Monitors and replenishes school inventories.
• Updates fixed asset inventory information, as required.
• Monitors use of school copiers: ensures copiers have adequate supplies and are serviced regularly, maintains counts and ensures copies are credited to proper staff members.

Education and Experience:

Requires High School Diploma or GED and two years bookkeeping experience. An Associates Degree in Accounting/Bookkeeping can be substituted for years of experience requirement.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge:

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle difficult situations with sensitivity and tact. Experience and knowledge in a customer service environment. Knowledge of office environments. Knowledge and experience with office technology and equipment. Skill in written and oral communications. Ability to organize, prioritize work responsibilities and use time efficiently. Ability to calmly and professionally interact with students, parents, teachers, coworkers and visitors within a dynamic environment, Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles. Knowledge of financial software and applications. Computational and analytical skills. Skill in tracking and recording attendance data.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment, including a computer, basic office equipment, calculator, telephone, etc. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Must be able to lift/carry weights of five to ten pounds.

Selection Procedure:

All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process. The interview process will include a written/computer-based bookkeeping skills assessment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Please review the Unit D Contract (Grade: AR4) and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. The hourly rate range is $28.05-$30.87 (SY 26 rate).

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website .