Accounting Assistant

Position Summary

The Accounting Assistant is responsible for the timely and accurate processing of invoices for payment and tasks related to the preparation and maintenance of accounts payable. This position also monitors the purchase and disposal of fixed assets and maintains such records in the accounting system. In addition, the assistant is responsible for the input of journal entries, accounts receivable functions, and tuition reconciliation. The Accounting Assistant reports to the Director of Finance. This is a full time, benefits eligible position.

Primary Responsibilities

Voucher preparation: prepares vouchers for data entry, including review and update of vendor address, verification of proper receipt of goods, proper coding of invoices, and verification of approval of purchase. Performs data entry of all accounts payable transactions. Determines 1099 payments and designates such payments in the ADS system. Liaison to vendors for accounts payable problems.

Files/records: maintains accurate invoice/payment files, alphabetically and chronologically, for all billings and disbursements.

Reports: provides monthly billing and reconciling reports.

Checks: reviews all accounts payable checks (including 1099) for computer accuracy and is responsible for obtaining proper signatures for approval prior to payment. Distributes and mails checks according to accounting protocols.

Bursar functions: receives tuition payments from Registration and records the receipts into the ADS accounting system. Works in collaboration with the registrar to ensure accurate student account information and reconciles tuition payments with registration following accounting protocols.

Prepare and input journal entries as directed by finance director.

Accounts receivable: under the supervision and direction of the finance director, prepares and distributes invoices for all Penland related expenditures as appropriate, and maintains a tracking log of all receivables.

Fixed asset functions: under the supervision and direction of the finance director, with input from the director of facilities and grounds, monitors purchases and disposals of the school’s fixed assets. Enters completed fixed asset additions into the accounting system fixed asset module.

Other projects as assigned: completes other projects as assigned the by finance director.

Qualifications

Minimum of three (3) years recent experience in general accounting and with strong accounts payable skills, or completion of college level accounting course work required. Experience with Excel and word-processing required. Must be detail oriented, possess analytical skills, and must possess strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform job duties required.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and to work at a computer. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls and to talk fluently and to hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and to walk in areas of the campus with uneven terrain. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Compensation

Annual compensation is discussed during the interview process. A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

To Apply

The position will remain open until filled, however the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by August 23, 2010. Send resume and cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the position and contact information including e-mail contact information for at least three non-personal references to Susan McDaniel, Finance Director, Penland School of Crafts, PO Box 37, Penland, NC 28765 or

susanmcdaniel@penland.org

Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 415 acres in the NC mountains, Penland has 15 teaching studios and 50 historic and contemporary buildings. Penland School of Crafts is an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 63. Penland conducts its business with an annual operating budget of $4.4 million.

Revised: 8/3/10