Position Description:

The Hockaday School seeks a full-time Senior Accountant to coordinate and assist in the preparation of financial reports, including statements of activities, statements of financial position, statements of cash flows, and analyses of historical and projected income and expenses, as well as other ad hoc reports.

This role supports the month-end close process and oversees key accounting functions, including general ledger reconciliations, fixed assets, investment activity, journal entry review, account reconciliations, and audit preparation and completion. The Senior Accountant works closely with the Business Office team and leadership to ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful financial information.

 Essential Functions:

• Coordinate and support the month-end close process
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including financial statements, variance analyses, balance sheet reconciliations, dashboards, and reports for Finance Committee and Board meetings
• Review and monitor bank reconciliations, procedures, and cash positions
• Assist in the timely execution of the annual financial statement audit of the school and 403(b) retirement plan, serving as a key liaison with external auditors
• Prepare and reconcile assigned general ledger accounts
• Assist in the review of journal entries for cash receipts, accounts receivable, and general accounting activity
• Record and reconcile all investment activity, including transfers, gains, losses and fees
• Compile and maintain the fixed asset rollforward schedule 
• Review and approve Development-related transactions and journal entries
• Support and collaborate with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other accounting staff within the Business Office
• Serve as a resource and mentor to accounting staff; review work for accuracy and completeness
• Identify and recommend process improvements to strengthen internal controls and reporting efficiency

 Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and/or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in nonprofit environment, with similar complexity, demonstrated financial administrative leadership
• At least 5 years of accomplishment at supervisory level in a relevant organization with experience in a variety of functions which could include fixed asset management, bank reconciliations, accounts receivable, investment/ endowment accounting, and general accounting functions
• Advanced understanding of US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Advanced understanding and ability to use computers and technology including Microsoft Windows and Office products, basic office equipment, and prior experience working with ERP systems (e.g. Blackbaud)
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alumnae, volunteers, trustees, and the public
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, adaptability, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, work ethic, determination, persistence, loyalty, and congeniality are essential
• Must have the ability to work in a school environment through satisfactory completion of all legally required and School-required background and screening checks and verifications, including criminal and sex offender background checks
• Certified Public Accountant preferred but not required

Training:

• Participate in all requisite School trainings prior to the start of the school, and throughout the School year. 
• Attend required staff development and training sessions throughout the year
• Attend periodic in-service meetings
• Acknowledge receipt of the current Employee Handbook and are responsible for reviewing the contents and abiding by rules, policies and procedures stated in the Handbook or otherwise by the School
• Abide by Hockaday’s Code of Ethics and Conduct
• Commit to the ideals expressed in Hockaday’s Tenets of Staff Excellence

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard office conditions and climate
• Regularly uses close and distance vision; works at a computer screen for extended periods of time
• Occasionally required to move around the office; works at a desk for extended periods of time
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30 lbs. across the office or campus
• Regularly works in a stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts; stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
• Ability to periodically (and seasonally) work flexible hours to meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with students, fellow staff and community members

About The Hockaday School:

The Hockaday School is an independent, college preparatory school for girls of strong potential and diverse backgrounds who may be expected to assume positions of responsibility and leadership in a rapidly changing world. With an enrollment of more than 1,100 students, The Hockaday School is the nation’s largest prekindergarten through grade 12 independent girls’ school. Ranked among the country’s finest college preparatory schools, it was founded over a century ago and continues today to build on its original Four Cornerstones: Character, Courtesy, Scholarship, and Athletics.

Hockaday’s faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field and students in every grade benefit from outstanding faculty and access to unmatched resources.  Families who choose Hockaday care deeply about providing their daughters with a comprehensive and rigorous education, both inside and outside the classroom. Hockaday’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the School.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  This job description reflects administration’s assignment of essential functions; and nothing in this herein restricts administration’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

 The Hockaday School is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy not to discriminate, and to comply with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable protected classification.