Accounting & Payroll Manager

Role Summary

The Harvard-Westlake Business Office consists of a small, highly efficient group of colleagues whose work impacts a wide array of school functions daily. We develop and maintain systems and policies that benefit faculty, staff, parents, students, and our extended alumni family alike, all to enable Harvard-Westlake to be among the premier institutions of its kind.

The Accounting and Payroll Manager is responsible for managing the school’s payroll and student accounts receivable processes while supporting the overall accounting function. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, proactive professional who values accuracy, efficiency, and process improvement within a mission-driven educational environment.

Responsibilities

Payroll Processing

• Own the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll execution for all employees
• Record and reconcile payroll journal entries and related transactions
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy in payroll and accounting workflows
• Collaborate closely with HR, Accounting, and other departments to maintain accurate records and ensure effective communication
• Support financial statement, workers compensation, and ERISA audits
• Perform ad hoc reporting and analysis as required

Student Accounts and Other

• Serve as the primary owner of the accounts receivable system, including non-standard tuition billing adjustments and processing withdrawals/refunds
• Manage complex and sensitive past-due accounts, parent inquiries, and student account matters
• Oversee the student accounts receivable process, including billing, collections, and account reconciliations
• Partner with the Financial Aid department to ensure timely and accurate adjustments
• Engage in sensitive yet productive dialogue with parents regarding their financial status with the school and questions about their account
• Generate annual enrollment contracts and manage the completion process
• Coach and supervise the Accounts Receivable Specialist
• Perform ad hoc reporting and analysis as requested

Skills and Attributes

• Work with precision and meticulous attention to detail
• Experience utilizing accounting systems such as Oracle, SAP, or Great Plains (Harvard-Westlake uses a school information system called Didax)
• At least three years of experience directly engaged in payroll processing, including deduction and withholding management, wage changes, non-exempt employee timekeeping, payroll journal entries, compliance, and timely tax filing
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, including prepaid/accruals, account reconciliations, and journal entries
• Exceedingly strong knowledge of Excel, with comfort using it daily to manipulate, analyze, and validate large datasets
• Demonstrated customer service skills with a wide range of stakeholders, including employees, parents, and colleagues
• Highly organized and persistent, with the ability to track responses and follow up with non-responsive individuals
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

About Harvard-Westlake

Harvard-Westlake is one of the leading independent schools in the country, located in Los Angeles, California, and serving approximately 1,600 students in grades 7–12. Classes for grades 7–9 take place on the Middle School campus in the Holmby Hills neighborhood, while grades 10–12 are housed on the Upper School campus in Studio City. A third campus, River Park, focused on athletics and recreation, is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.

With more than 300 full-time employees, an even greater number of part-time and seasonal staff, hundreds of vendor relationships, and a wide range of academic, athletic, and co-curricular programs, Harvard-Westlake operates as a complex and mission-driven organization. The Business Office and other administrative teams play a critical role in supporting the school’s students, families, faculty, and broader community.

Founded through the 1991 merger of Harvard School (est. 1900) and Westlake School (est. 1904), Harvard-Westlake prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the world beyond school, grounded in learning, integrity, and purpose.

Harvard-Westlake is committed to creating a community of belonging and does not discriminate on any basis. We seek colleagues who demonstrate respect for diverse backgrounds, the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment, and a commitment to professionalism, openness, and inclusion.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $100,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience.
Work hours will generally align with a standard business schedule, with some evenings and weekends required during peak payroll, enrollment, or audit periods.

Benefits

We are proud to offer a generous benefits package designed to support the well-being and growth of our employees. Highlights include:

• High-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage with low or no premiums for you and your dependents
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer match and immediate vesting
• Cafeteria allowance — enjoy breakfast and lunch through our on-campus dining program
• Opportunities for professional development and learning
• Relocation assistance (when applicable)
• Employee Affinity and Resource Groups that foster connection and belonging
• Mental wellness resources and workshops
• Partially subsidized employee housing (subject to availability and eligibility)
• Complimentary tickets to local sporting and entertainment events
• Discount at the school bookstore — stock up on HW spirit wear!

Salary : $100,000 - $120,000