What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bookkeeper/AP Specialist position at Smith + Howard?
Bookkeeper/Accounts Payable Specialist
Do you want a career without limits? Do you want to shape your own future and be surrounded by people who listen? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you at Smith Howard.
Smith Howard is a family of companies that offers tax, audit, accounting and advisory and wealth management services. We are headquartered in Atlanta with offices across the Southeast, while still offering a local firm flavor.
We offer competitive pay, excellent training opportunities and great benefits. You can help influence our culture and have the support and dedication from our leaders to help you achieve your career goals. Smith Howard provides a great opportunity for professional growth and advancement within one of the nation’s top accounting firms.
If you are ready to make a career move and join a firm consistently named a “Best of the Best Firms” (Inside Public Accounting), we invite you to complete our employment application.
Summary
In our Bookkeeper role, you will be responsible for core bookkeeping and low-level accounting functions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, student billing, bank reconciliations, and journal entries. This role supports day-to-day transactional financial operations and requires prior experience in schools or educational organizations. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of school-based financial operations, significant payroll expertise, and a proven ability to thrive independently in a remote setting.
Essential Functions
Accounts Payable (AP)
- Process vendor invoices, verify accuracy, and ensure proper approvals
- Handle credit cards/expense management
- Prepare and process payments in accordance with school policies and timelines
- Maintain organized and accurate AP records
Accounts Receivable (AR) & Student Billing
- Process and manage student billing, tuition invoices, fees, and related receivables
- Apply payments, track outstanding balances, and assist with aging reports
- Respond to basic billing inquiries from families or employees/staff in a professional manner
Bank Reconciliations
- Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations
Journal Entries & General Ledger Support
- Prepare and post routine journal entries
- Assist with maintaining the general ledger and supporting schedules
- Support month-end close processes as needed
General Bookkeeping & Accounting Support
- Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with school policies and best practices
- Assist with documentation for audits, reviews, or internal reporting
- Perform other bookkeeping and administrative accounting tasks as assigned
Position Requirements
- Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field or a minimum of three (3) years of relevant bookkeeping experience
- Experience overseeing Accounts Payable required.
- Experience with Blackbaud required.
- Prior experience working in a school or educational environment is strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of basic accounting principles
- Experience with student billing and tuition-based receivables preferred
- Proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel (school-specific systems a plus especially BILL.COM, QBO and/or FACTS)
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a remote setting