Staff Accountant

Westover School; Middlebury (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Westover School, a gender-inclusive girls' boarding and day school in Middlebury, CT, seeks a Staff Accountant to support the Business Office with general accounting, student billing, and financial account management.

Reporting to the Controller, the role emphasizes accurate records, timely reports, and reliable reconciliation while collaborating with students, families, faculty, and staff to ensure smooth campus operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field preferred.
• Three to five years of accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of general accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with accounting software; Blackbaud experience is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent data entry accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare accurate financial reports and reconcile complex accounts.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, students, families, and vendors.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Prepare journal entries and maintain accurate financial records.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Maintain general ledger accounts and prepare financial reports.
• Reconcile bank statements and other balance sheet accounts.
• Maintain accounts receivable and assist with accounts payable processes.
• Analyze financial data and prepare reports to support business office operations.
• Provide support to student billing and accounts receivable functions.
• Serve as a backup resource for student billing processes during peak periods.
• Assist with special projects and financial reporting as assigned.

Skills

General accounting

Excel

Financial reporting

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Blackbaud

Job description

About Us

Westover School is a gender-inclusive girls boarding and day school serving grades 9-12. We are committed to providing a college preparatory education in a small community atmosphere that emphasizes meaningful student-adult interaction. Through our programs and dedicated faculty and staff, Westover empowers students to become confident, connected adults who lead lives of purpose and understand the value of relationships, diversity, and making a positive difference in the world.

Job Title

Staff Accountant

Department

Business Office

Reports to

Controller

Location

Middlebury, Connecticut

Position Type

Full-Time, 12 month

Job Summary

Westover School is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Staff Accountant to join the Business Office. Reporting to the Controller, the Staff Accountant plays a vital role in supporting the School's financial operations with primary responsibility for general accounting, accounts receivable, student billing, and student financial account management. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial reports, processing student billing transactions, reconciling accounts, and ensuring the timely administration of tuition-related programs and payment plans. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, strong analytical abilities, and a commitment to providing outstanding service to students, families, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities and Duties

General Accounting

• Prepare journal entries and maintain accurate financial records.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Maintain general ledger accounts and prepare financial reports.
• Reconcile bank statements and other balance sheet accounts.
• Maintain accounts receivable and assist with accounts payable processes.
• Analyze financial data and prepare reports to support business office operations.

Student Billing & Accounts Receivable

• Provide support to the student billing and accounts receivable function as needed.
• Assist with student account-related tasks and documentation as assigned.
• Serve as a backup resource for student billing processes during periods of increased workload or staff absence.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with special projects and financial reporting as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and student information.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Business Office operations.

Required Qualifications And Skills

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field preferred.
• Three to five years of accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of general accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with accounting software; Blackbaud experience is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent data entry accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare accurate financial reports and reconcile complex accounts.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, students, families, and vendors.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office environment.
• Regular use of computers, accounting software, and standard office equipment.
• Frequent interaction with faculty, staff, students, families, and external vendors.
• Work requires managing multiple priorities and meeting established deadlines, particularly during month-end, year-end, and enrollment cycles.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
• Frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements while typing and using office equipment.
• Visual acuity required for reviewing financial documents and computer screens.
• Ability to maintain productivity in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

EEO Statement

Westover School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and strongly encourage applications from candidates from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds, as well as those with non-traditional career paths.