Accounting Specialist

Position Summary:  

New Life Church and Academy is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Accounting Specialist to join our dynamic finance team. This position is responsible for day-to-day accounting operations with a primary focus on student billing, accounts receivable management including cash handling and receipting, accounts payable processing, and bank reconciliations. The finance team works across the ministry, applying sound accounting principles while providing valuable services to students, families, vendors, and staff.  

Responsibilities: 

Primary:  

Student Billing & Collections – 40% 

• Manage all aspects of NLA student billing processes 
• Conduct collection conversations with families in a professional and compassionate manner 
• Monitor student account balances and payment plans 
• Resolve billing inquiries and discrepancies 

Cash Handling & Receipting – 20% 

• Process and handle cash receipts for NLA accounts receivable 
• Perform daily cash receipting and ensure accurate recording of payments 
• Maintain secure cash handling procedures and controls 
• Process various payment methods including checks, credit cards, and electronic payments 

Accounts Payable – 10% 

• Process accounts payable items as assigned 
• Review and verify invoices for accuracy and proper authorization 
• Prepare and process vendor payments 

Bank Reconciliations – 10% 

• Complete monthly bank reconciliations 
• Prepare necessary journal entries related to bank activity 
• Investigate and resolve reconciliation discrepancies 

General Accounting Support - 20% 

• Apply general accounting principles to daily operations 
• Maintain accurate and organized financial records 
• Assist with month-end closing processes 
• Support audit and compliance activities as needed 

Other:  

Additional Responsibilities: The tasks listed in this job description are not all encompassing. At any point, New Life Church and Academy reserves the right to add additional or different job duties and remove job duties from this position.  

Spiritual: Employees of New Life Church and Academy must be able to effectively integrate a gospel centered message into their day-to-day responsibilities, must be a born-again believer who exhibits the Fruit of the Spirit in their daily walk and a regular attendee and supporter of a church whose fundamental beliefs are evangelical in nature. 

Education:  

Required Education:   

• Associate's degree in accounting, finance, or related field. 

Experience:  

Required Experience:  

• 2+ years of experience in a similar position.  
• Experience with accounting software and ERP systems. 

Skills: 

• Strong understanding of general accounting principles 
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills  
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion 
• Capacity to work effectively on a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment 
• Professional demeanor when working with families, vendors and staff 
• Strong organizational and time management abilities 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel  

Travel: This position requires no travel.  

Working Conditions: This job operates in a professional office environment and will routinely use standard office equipment such computers, photocopiers, and smartphones. The work environment also involves working in a K-12 Private Christian School and Evangelical Church environment and all employees are expected to have a demonstrated and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Working Hours: Typically, employees are expected to work during normal hours and days of business, between Monday and Friday. Specific expectations for each position will be communicated by the supervisor of this position. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required. This position works up to 40 hours per week and 12 months of the year.