Staff Accountant

Job Description

Staff Accountant | Hallmark Institute of Photography

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Hallmark Institute of Photography, an educational institution focused on photography. The Staff Accountant supports the Controller in managing the university’s financial operations. This position is vital for overseeing accounts payable and general ledger activities, assisting with financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting standards. The role is crucial for supporting month-end and year-end close processes, budgeting, and audit preparation.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full Time
• Location: In-person, University

• Team: Supports the Controller
• Mission: Manages financial operations, oversees accounts payable and general ledger activities, and assists with financial reporting to ensure compliance and support key accounting processes.
• Tech Stack: Colleague system, MAS90/100/200, Dynamics GP, Microsoft Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• Accounts Payable Management: Oversee the complete accounts payable cycle, including timely and accurate entry and processing of vendor invoices, preparing and processing disbursements like check runs and ACH payments, and reviewing all invoices for proper approval, coding, and supporting documentation.
• General Ledger and Financial Record Keeping: Maintain the integrity of the accounting system by performing basic account setup and routine system tasks, accurately recording and classifying financial transactions according to GAAP, preparing routine journal entries for prepaids and standard accruals, and reconciling assigned balance sheet accounts such as cash and select asset/liability accounts.
• Financial Close and Audit Support: Actively assist with month-end and year-end close activities, maintain organized financial records and documentation for audit preparation, track fixed asset additions, and contribute to maintaining depreciation schedules.
• Student and Vendor Account Oversight: Manage student tuition charges and adjustments within the Colleague system, monitor student account credit balances and coordinate refunds via check or ACH, and professionally monitor vendor accounts, respond to inquiries, and follow up on outstanding or delinquent accounts.
• Compliance, System Integrity, and Business Office Support: Ensure strict compliance with internal control policies and procedures, collaborate with various departments for accurate transaction coding and processing, assist in troubleshooting routine system or transaction issues, coordinate with IT as needed, and provide backup support for other essential business office functions.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Experience: 1+ years of accounts payable accounting experience.
• Skills: Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting, including knowledge of financial statement preparation. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (intermediate to advanced). Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and apply strong attention to detail and analytical skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and work collaboratively.
• Bonus: Experience in nonprofit or higher education accounting. Familiarity with ERP systems such as MAS90/100/200 or Dynamics GP. Familiarity with fund accounting and nonprofit financial reporting. Awareness of state and federal compliance regulations relevant to higher education.