Seasonal Staff Accountant

Description

About our School:

St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is an outstanding co-educational Independent Catholic school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade on two adjacent campuses in Austin, Texas. The Lower School is comprised of PreK 3-4th grades, the Middle School houses grades 5-8, and the Upper School contains grades 9-12. St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School is a Christ-centered, college preparatory learning community, inspiring lives of service, courage, personal integrity, and intellectual curiosity. We are distinguished by our Catholic tradition, a welcoming and diverse community, excellent academic programs and a variety of extracurricular activities. Additionally, we are a technology rich school. Thus teachers are expected to demonstrate meaningful skill with technology and an enthusiasm for technological growth in order to create authentic learning experiences for their students. Teachers at St. Michael’s Prep further serve as role models that inspire students to critically think, reflect, explore and apply their faith concretely to their lives. We are one community, on two campuses, with three divisions, united in our commitment to put students first as we educate them in mind, body, and spirit.

Job Summary:

The Staff Accountant is a member of the School’s business office team and supports the general staff accounting needs of the School, including but not limited to journal entry preparation, monthly general ledger reconciliations and other special projects as needed. This position is a seasonal contract position from December 2024-February 2025 and reports directly to the Controller.

Essential Job Functions:

General

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Communicates effectively within the school community
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits

Accounts Receivable and Billing

• Record daily cash and online deposits, including but not limited to after-school programs, facility rentals and other transactions
• Communicate with parents on incidental billing issues, payment issues and other questions with sensitivity, understanding and customer service orientation 
• Support the monthly student billing of incidental charges

General Ledger

• Perform general ledger account reconciliations as needed, working toward successful resolution of reconciling items.
• Perform miscellaneous journal entries and other general accounting duties as assigned
• Review weekly bank activity and prepare journal entries for review
• Review daily gift receipts and pledges prior to posting in the General Ledger
• Liaise with the Advancement Office to process and reconcile gift transactions
• Assist with the month-end close process, including journal entries and account reconciliations 
• Assist users with monthly expense reports to ensure correct coding of all expense items

Important Job Functions:

• Collaborates with peers to enhance the work environment and support planning
• Provides assistance to the Controller, Asst. Controller and Director of Finance where needed
• Maintains appropriate filing system (paper and digital) including archiving requirements for cash receipts and accounts receivable 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification: 

• Experience as a bookkeeper or associate’s degree in accounting or related field
• Experience working in a school environment preferred

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church 
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form 
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously 
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology 
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Working Conditions:

• Required to work in standard office and school conditions 

Mental/Physical Demands:

• Required to lift or carry supplies, books, furniture, and e