Accounting Specialist

Love What You Do and Why You Do It! 

Participate Learning is a force for good that connects teachers and students through global education programs to foster human understanding and create peace around the world. We offer purpose-driven, challenging work in a collaborative environment, a flexible and open culture, and encourage employees to pursue their professional and personal passions.

What You’ll Do: 

  The Accounting Specialist reports to the Controller and has the responsibility of supporting the effective and efficient running of all financial accounting processes, resources, systems, and reporting. The position also assists in payroll processing and reporting. 

Essential Functions (include but are not limited to):

• Review and post journal entries, review expenses to ensure they are correctly entered, and oversee the effective and efficient monthly close process for all subsidiaries within the set timeline.

• Support accounting functions (including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and General Ledger), through training, review, and provide analysis as required.

• Assist with year-end audit and tax activities.

• Ensure accurate payroll entries and imports of monthly out-of-pocked reimbursements.

• Research accounting issues for proper recording and GAAP reporting.

• Ensure accurate and timely filing of statutory records-1099, Property Tax, etc.

• Administer corporate travel and expense system (Concur) and policy. Train new employees to use Concur for expense reporting and professional development requests and maintain records of out-of-pocket expenses to be added to payroll monthly.

• Oversee Fixed Asset accounting (BNA), ensuring the proper accounting for additions, disposals, and depreciation. 

• Assist in cash forecasts, revenue estimates, and expenditure projections for planning and budgetary purposes using Adaptive Planning software to support budgetary and program staff.

• Document, update and establish policies and procedures for the accounting department and monitor adherence to established procedures.

• Monitor efficient and effective internal controls and ensure their proper execution to protect Company assets for all locations.

• Understand and efficiently use SalesForce to obtain, enter and report information.

• Verify source documents for accuracy, completeness, authorization, and coding, as well as proper application of fees, refunds, collections, and discounts to verify general ledger balances, reconcile subsystems to the general ledger, and identify accounting system problems or weaknesses.

• Produce and distribute formatted yearly Budget Analysis for school districts to help generate program revenue.

• Understand and efficiently use Tax Navigator to determine residency status of incoming teachers and to pull tax documents for annual orientations. During their J-1 teacher orientation, provide the teachers with information on Tax and Benefits in the U.S.

• Facilitate the creation of teacher bank accounts.

• Other duties deemed necessary by the Controller and CFO.

Experience You Bring:

• BS Degree in Business or Accounting.

• 1-2 years of Accounting Experience in a business environment.

• Experience in Netsuite (Oracle) preferred.

• Knowledge and demonstrated skills in MS Word, Excel, and accounting systems, fixed asset systems, Travel & Entertainment systems, banking interfaces).

• Accounting knowledge (GAAP).

• Strong organizational and analytical skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Demonstrated ability in handling confidential financial matters.

• Excellent verbal, written communication and human relations skills.

About You

• Passionate about learning and welcoming people from all over the world, learning about their culture and sharing your own culture and experiences.

• Love for international adventures - languages, dancing, food, travel, etc.

• We are looking for impact makers who believe in business as a force for good. 

• Eager to make a difference for today and tomorrow

• Flexible with your time and energy and willing to expand beyond the day-to-day expectations of your work. (And the company reciprocates with flexibility!)

• Cameras on during most zoom meetings - we want to see your smile. 

• Believe global education is for everyone!

• Proven team player, with initiative/innovative and follow-through capabilities.

• Must be detail-oriented and a self-starter.

What You’ll Love About Us: 

Participate Learning is a B Corporation headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC, that partners with K-12 schools and districts to provide cultural exchange teachers, global education, and language immersion programs in Spanish and Mandarin. As part of our B Corp commitment, one of the essential measures of the success of our business is the positive impact we make on our employees. Our work inspires everyone to be change agents, bringing more empathy and connection to the world.

• Attractive benefit coverage for medical, dental, vision

• Company paid long-term, short-term disability and life insurance

• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave

• Generous Vacation and Separate Sick Time

• Wellness Program

• Adoption Assistance

• Infant-At-Work and Bring Your Dog to Work Program

• Cell Phone Reimbursement

• Fully-Stocked Kitchen

• Onsite Gym

• Volunteer Time Off

• Professional Development Funds

• Tuition Assistance

• Cultural Experience & Milestone benefit every 3 years

Due to the nature of our work with teachers and schools, COVID-19 vaccine/booster is a requirement for new hires, however, the company will consider accommodations for disability and religious reasons.