Accountant

INTNERAL TITLE:      Accounting Specialist
REPORTS TO:              Head of Finance

STATUS:                        Exempt/Salaried
DIRECT REPORTS:    No
 

About Montessori Academy of Broward

Montessori Academy of Broward, located in Pembroke Pines, Florida, who is committed to ensuring. Our students at Montessori Academy are held to very high expectations regarding both academic achievement and character development. A successful candidate must have the unyielding belief that all children can and must succeed. 

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Well-being and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Purpose of Role

We are looking for a detailed oriented Accounting Specialist to work at Montessori Academy of Broward located in Pembroke Pines, FL. Under the direction of the Head of Finance for Montessori Academy of Broward, the Senior Accountant will support various aspects of our accounting and reporting processes, and drive delivery of process improvements initiatives.

The Accounting Specialist will be somewhat of a “generalist” executing day-to-day accounting tasks such as financial activities to include but are not limited to journal entries, expenses, balancing, reconciliation, report generation, A/P and A/R according to established policies and procedures in an efficient, timely and accurate manner. The Accounting Specialist displays a strong sense of ownership and is fully committed to ensuring accuracy of financial data and providing finance support to school operations. In addition, this individual is team-oriented, thrives in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment and is eager to take an active role in promoting a positive culture of positive engagement and school connectedness for all employees to support the school’s aim of being the school and employer of choice.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting:

• Perform data entry, balancing and reconciliation.
• Manages, matches, reconcile all cash and check deposits for bank(s).
• Monitor and administer credit card statements, reconcile and identify any discrepancies.
• Provide full cross-functional support to A/P and A/R functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Cash application- matching cash deposits with receipts.
• Reconcile Bank Accounts.
• Process payments via ACH.
• Prepare Payroll Journal Entry.
• Verifies student account balances.
• A/R Cash reports reconciled .

Accounts Payable:

• Prepares timely and accurate payments to vendors and suppliers based on review and analysis of approved invoices presented for payment.
• Enters approved invoices into the accounting system.
• Monitors discount opportunities; verifies federal id numbers; resolves purchase order, contract, invoice, or payment discrepancies and documentation; ensures credit is received for outstanding memos, and issue purchase order amendments.
• Processes employee reimbursements by receiving and verifying approved and fully documented expense reports and entering into the accounting system.
• Cuts Checks and uploads positive pay file to bank.
• Verifies vendor account balances by reconciling monthly statements.
• Investigates and resolves problems associated with processing invoices.
• Provides accurate and effective document preparation and records management relative to the AP function in accordance with records retention policies and procedures.
• Protects organization’s value by keeping information confidential.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Experience and Requirements

• 3+ years of accounting experience at fast-paced and/or complex company.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Accounting.
• Solid understanding of the concepts of control design and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated history of solving multiple complex operational and accounting challenges.
• Ability to analyze, summarize and articulate financial information appropriately based on audience.
• Willingness to learn payroll processing as a backup.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Highly detailed-oriented, known for accuracy and high-quality work.
• Critical thinking skills, naturally inquisitive, ability to spot issues and bring resolution.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to pivot and reprioritize.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• An understanding of and commitment to the ethos of the education industry.
• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills
• Knowledge of general accounting principles, regulatory standards, and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel
• Ability to learn and operate computerized accounting programs
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail and confidentiality
• Excellent data entry skills
• Strong mathematical, analytical, problem solving. and decision-making skills
• Effective verbal, listening and written communication skills
• Effective organizational, stress and time management skills
• Demonstrates a sense of urgency and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently or as a team member
• Consistently interacts positively with internal and external customers
• Ability to sit at a desk in front of a computer for extended periods of time
• Prior school accounting experience is a plus

ISP Leadership Competences

Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximize opportunities.

Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback, supporting others in their continual learning, development, and growth.

Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.

Outcome-Driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.

E-Verify Participation:
ISP U.S. participates in E-Verify and will provide the Federal Government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Montessori Academy of Broward and ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

MAB and ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.