Staff Accountant

Windward School; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid holidays and wellness days

Tuition remission for employees' kids

Job summary

Windward School in West Los Angeles seeks an experienced Staff Accountant to join the Business Office. The role handles accounts receivable, purchasing support, and cash activity, reporting to the Director of Finance.

This is an on-site position with standard hours and occasional peak-period overtime. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and 3–5 years of relevant experience, preferably in an independent school or nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required.
• 3-5 years of relevant accounting or finance experience required.
• Experience in independent school, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounts receivable, tuition billing, and family inquiries.
• Record daily cash receipts and support monthly reconciliations.
• Assist with accounts payable and purchasing activities.
• Support auxiliary programs administration and reporting.
• Contribute to month-end and year-end close and audit preparation.

Skills

Accounting software

Google Suite

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Fund accounting software

Job description

Description

Windward School, a grade 7-12 college-preparatory, independent day school in vibrant West Los Angeles, is currently seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join our Business Office.

A nationwide leader in educational models and practices that excite students about learning, Windward is committed to building a nurturing, inclusive culture. We welcome teachers and staff members who bring skills, qualities, and experiences that demonstrate an understanding of and ability to support our work fostering a diverse school community.

At Windward, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment that encourages and supports growth and belonging amongst all community members. Windward teachers, parents, and administrators work together to inspire our students to be responsible, caring, well-informed, ethical, prepared, and well-balanced young adults.

For more information on what Windward has to offer, please visit windwardschool.org/about/careers.

The Staff Accountant is responsible for the day-to-day transactional functions of the Business Office, including accounts receivable management, purchasing support, and cash activity recording. This position works closely with the Senior Finance Associate and reports to the Director of Finance. The Staff Accountant is expected to perform assigned functions accurately and on time, communicate proactively about discrepancies or issues, and support the office's commitment to sound financial controls.

Primary Responsibilities include:

Accounts Receivable

• Manage billing for tuition-related and auxiliary charges, including trips, program fees, and other student account items
• Monitor accounts receivable aging and follow up on past due balances in a professional and timely manner
• Respond to billing inquiries from families and resolve discrepancies

Cash Activity

• Record daily cash receipts and bank transactions in the accounting system
• Coordinate with the Senior Accountant to ensure bank activity is recorded accurately and completely to support the monthly reconciliation process

Purchasing Support

• Support the accounts payable and purchasing functions, including invoice processing, payment documentation, and expense reimbursement
• Assist with monitoring purchasing activity to ensure compliance with established procedures and timely documentation

Auxiliary Program Administration

• Support the administration of assigned operational programs (e.g. bus program, spirit wear), maintaining accurate records and communicating with internal staff, vendors, and families as needed
• Administer Faculty/Staff food allowance (OneCard) program; support the student program

General Support

• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities as directed by the Director
• Support audit preparation by pulling documentation and organizing records

Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

This is an on-site position. Standard office hours apply, with occasional additional hours required during peak periods including the start of the school year, billing cycles, and fiscal year-end closing.

This is a great chance to be part of a dynamic, close-knit, independent school culture and community.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Paid Holidays, Vacation and Wellness days
• Retirement Plan, including up to 6% employer match
• School-paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account Plans
• Annual $2,000 FlexCheck
• Annual $2,500 Lunch Allowance
• MetLife Group Home & Auto Group Discount
• Access to Peak Performance Center to promote physical and mental health
• Wellness Initiatives, including Chair Massages, free Wellness Coaching, Self-Care Reimbursement, and much more!
• Employee Assistance Program
• Upon acceptance to Windward School by the Admissions Committee, employees may apply for tuition remission for their children
• Nurturing, supportive and inclusive community
• And much more!

Salary Range: $85,000 - $103,000, depending on experience.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field required
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ relevant accounting or finance experience required
• Experience in an independent school, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organization is a plus

Knowledge and Skills

• Familiarity with accounting software required; experience with nonprofit fund accounting software preferred
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Excel/standard Office applications
• Understanding of basic accounting principles and internal controls
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, including comfort communicating with families about billing matters
• Collaborative working style; ability to work closely with colleagues across the Business Office

EOE