Senior Accountant - Temporary

Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect that belonging is the foundational core of community building in how we work collaboratively and support the school’s mission and empowers all community members to thrive in mind, character, and community. Riverdale enrolls about 1,300 students who collectively reside in 117 different zip codes. We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. 
Position Overview:The Senior Accountant is a key member of the Business Office responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the School’s financial records. This role manages essential accounting functions such as general ledger maintenance, balance sheet reconciliations, financial analysis, and audit preparation. The ideal candidate demonstrates a deep understanding of full-cycle accounting processes, possesses strong analytical capabilities, and brings a high level of accuracy and initiative to their work. The Senior Accountant will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure compliance, transparency, and excellence in financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations for key accounts, including fixed assets, prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, and accounts receivable/payable.
• Prepare and post journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Analyze general ledger activity to ensure accuracy and consistency in financial reporting.
• Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies and variances.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closes through timely preparation of schedules and reports.
• Prepare audit-ready workpapers and assist with annual financial audits.
• Review reconciliations prepared by other team members for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist in documenting accounting procedures and recommend process improvements.
• Utilize advanced Excel skills to build reports, perform reconciliations, and conduct financial analyses.
• Conduct variance analysis on revenues and expenses to support budget monitoring.
• Provide ad hoc financial reports and analytical support to the Director of Finance and other school leaders.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA designation preferred. 3 to 5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all work products.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Excel (including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and advanced formulas) and Google Workspace.
• Experience with Veracross or similar accounting systems preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information with discretion.

Work Environment and Expectations

• This is a full-time, on-site position located at the River Campus.
• Occasional extended hours may be required during peak reporting and audit periods.
• All employees are expected to contribute to the School’s community-oriented mission and engage respectfully with students, families, and colleagues.

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.
Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School
Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  
Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.
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