Senior Business Office Associate

Emerson School is seeking a Senior Business Office Associate to oversee the school’s day-to-day business operations - ensuring accuracy, accountability, and compliance with all applicable standards and regulations. This role manages multiple accounting functions, including payroll administration, month end, budgeting, internal controls, and preparation for annual audits and tax filings.

The Senior Business Office Associate collaborates extensively with leadership to provide strategic financial guidance, enhance financial controls, and support Emerson’s mission-driven initiatives with a high degree of stewardship. This position is also responsible for leading the team through organizational changes, ensuring adherence to evolving regulatory requirements and reporting standards, and operational enhancements

• Maintains the general ledger and the data supporting the financial statements of the School.
• Handles monthly closings, prepares and enters journal entries, and completes bank reconciliations.
• Develops budget reports and distributes to Department and Division Heads.
• Acts as liaison between the School and CPA firm; overseeing, coordinating and preparing for the annual financial preparation, audit, and IRS Form 990.
• Oversees Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions to ensure accuracy, proper coding, and timely reconciliations
• Prepares and reconciles Accounts Receivable and Deferred Revenue, including understanding treatment and reporting.
• Ensures proper recording of fixed assets and depreciation
• Performs bi-weekly payroll and ensures accurate reconciliation of payroll and benefit accounts to the general ledger
• Assists with payroll-related compliance, including retirement plan contributions, benefit deductions, and federal, state, and local tax filings.
• Receives all checks delivered to the School by mail or in person and deposits them remotely.
• Oversees facilitation of the 403(b) audit, Form 5500, and Workers’ Compensation audit.
• Implements and monitors internal controls to ensure compliance with GAAP, donor restrictions, and School policies.
• Assists with spearheading process improvement and documentation for both daily tasks and overall workflows within the Business Office.

• Monitors and tracks donor-restricted funds to ensure they are spent in accordance with the donor’s purpose.
• Partners with the Development Office regarding donation receipts.
• Provides financial reports to the Director of Finance and Operations as needed.
• Collaborates with and provides assistance/training to the Business Office Associate
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance and Operations

• Analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven record of sound judgment.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a high functioning team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  ● Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work.
• Open, welcoming and positive interpersonal skills conducive to collaboration within a diverse and inclusive community.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with at least three years of accounting experience.
• Experience with not-for-profit accounting and FASB standards preferred
• Proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools preferred.

• Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, and details are available upon request.