Junior Accountant

Southwestern Law School seeks a Junior Accountant to join the accounting team. The Junior Accountant is responsible for assisting with the month-end financial reporting procedures and related analyses, including but not limited to the preparation of monthly recurring journal entries, preparation of monthly reconciliation, and analyses of various accounts. Additionally, the Junior Accountant plays an important role in communicating and analyzing critical financial information to and from all of Southwestern’s administrative departments. The Junior Accountant position is an in-person position and reports to the Controller. Southwestern’s in-person positions include limited weekly remote work. 

Key responsibilities:

  • Responsible for month-end financial reporting procedures and related analyses, including preparation of monthly recurring journal entries, preparation of monthly reconciliations, and analyses of various accounts.
  • Works with various Department Heads and their liaisons to reconcile the credit card transactions.
  • Investigates significant variances against approved budgets.
  • Works with the Financial Aid department in preparing monthly reconciliations of payroll reporting relating to federal work-study programs.
  • Maintains financial schedules and accounting entries related to various fixed assets and work-in-progress general ledger accounts.
  • Responsible for updating account structures to ensure accurate mapping of general ledger and financial reports.
  • Assists in annual year-end financial audit by preparing various audit analyses requested by external auditors.
  • Assists Controller and CFO, as needed, on special ad-hoc projects.
  • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced Excel skills; 
  • Understanding of basic accounting principles;
  • Knowledge of fund accounting specific to non-profit organizations;
  • Analytical skills to interpret financial data and prepare reports;
  • Accuracy and attention to detail in financial record-keeping and reporting;
  • Ability to identify and rectify discrepancies in financial data;
  • Effective communication skills to convey financial information to non-financial staff and stakeholders;
  • Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the finance team and different departments within the organization;
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to meet deadlines;
  • Ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment;
  • Understanding of ethical considerations related to financial management;
  • Adherence to confidentiality and privacy policies related to financial information;
  • A genuine interest in and commitment to the mission of the school;
  • Understanding of the unique financial challenges and goals in the education sector;
  • Willingness to stay updated on changes in accounting regulations and practices;
  • Openness to professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge;
  • Ability to identify financial issues and propose solutions; and
  • Critical thinking skills to address challenges in financial management.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or related business degree.
  • Two or more years of progressive relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and working knowledge of non-profit accounting.

Pay: $31.25/hr.

To Apply: For consideration, please submit your application, including a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to jobs6@swlaw.edu.

Share: