Description

Business Office Specialist

About Spokane International Academy

Spokane International Academy is a rigorous Kindergarten–12th grade public charter school. We equip every student with the academic skills, habits, and global competence to succeed in advanced high school and college courses and to become leaders who transform their communities.

About the Role

We are looking for a detail-oriented, experienced Business Office Specialist to manage core Business Office functions: payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting, ASB accounting, and payment systems. You will work under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer and manage the day-to-day administration of these processes, keeping our records accurate, our controls strong, and our compliance current.

You will be highly organized, able to manage multiple deadlines on your own while providing responsive support to staff, vendors, families, auditors, and other stakeholders.

Hours Per Day: 8
Days Per Year: 210

FTE: 1.0
Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $33.57 - $37.12 per hour

Key Responsibilities

Payroll

Process school payroll accurately in Skyward, maintaining employee assignments, contracts, compensation, and stipends.
Reconcile payroll, benefit, tax, and withholding accounts.
Ensure compliance with federal and Washington State requirements, including EFTPS deposits, PFML, unemployment insurance, WA Cares Fund, and workers' compensation.
Assist in quarterly payroll and tax returns, and prepare annual W-2s and related filings by their deadlines.
Resolve discrepancies, answer employee questions, and prepare payroll reports for the CFO and the Board.

Accounts Payable & Purchasing

Manage accounts payable: review invoices, verify account coding and documentation, and issue accurate, timely vendor payments.
Oversee requisition workflows and e-commerce purchase orders, and help staff with account coding in line with procurement requirements.
Maintain vendor records and prepare annual 1099s and related filings.
Process deposits and reconcile purchasing cards and checks, researching and resolving discrepancies.

Budgeting, Reporting & Audit Support

Assist the CFO with the annual operating budget, year-end close, and budget-to-actual review.
Prepare financial, expenditure, and payroll reports for administrators and the Board.
Provide records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for financial and accountability audits.

ASB & Student Activity Accounting

Process and monitor ASB purchase orders and expenditures, and prepare monthly reports and reconciliations.
Work with staff and activity advisors to ensure compliance with ASB controls, authorization, documentation, and recordkeeping.

Payment Systems

Manage the InTouch payment portal and related point-of-sale systems, including setup and maintenance of payment items, student fees, and activities.
Monitor payment activity and help families and staff with questions and transaction issues.

Procedures, Compliance & Internal Controls

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, forms, and materials for Business Office functions, including payroll, accounts payable, payment processing, and ASB.
Evaluate Business Office processes and recommend improvements that strengthen internal controls, efficiency, and accuracy.
Train staff on requisitions, account coding, documentation, purchasing, and financial compliance.
Maintain financial records per retention requirements and protect confidential employee, financial, and vendor information.
Provide cross-training and backup support, and perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

The employee regularly sits, uses a computer and other office equipment, reaches, and communicates effectively. The employee may occasionally lift or move materials weighing up to 10 pounds.

This description summarizes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or skills.

Benefits & Leave

Insurance: State Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) plans for employees working over 630 hours per year. Dental and vision are provided at no cost to the employee. Other SEBB options (medical, AD&D, life, LTD, and more) are available at affordable premiums across multiple plans.
Retirement: School Employees' Retirement System / Teachers' Retirement System (SERS/TRS), with a choice of defined benefit or defined contribution plans.
Leave: Up to 7 sick days and 5 personal days per year, based on a 1.0 FTE and prorated to contract length. 
Holidays: Holidays off (unpaid)

Hiring Process

We will invite select candidates to interview, and interviews will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background checks, employment verification, and other pre-employment requirements.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Spokane International Academy does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of age, sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights, Title IX, and Section 504 Coordinator: Jacqueline Pariseau, 509-209-8730, pariseau@spokaneintlacademy.org; Address: 777 E Magnesium Rd., Spokane, WA 99208.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
Experience in payroll, accounts payable, accounting, or related financial operations.
Working knowledge of accounting principles, reconciliations, and internal controls.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
Strong organization and attention to detail, with a record of independently managing deadlines and resolving discrepancies.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or comparable software, and the ability to learn financial and payroll systems.
Clear written and verbal communication.
Sound judgment and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
A collaborative, service-minded approach with employees, vendors, auditors, and families.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field.
Experience in school finance, governmental accounting, or another public-sector setting.
Experience managing multiple Business Office functions (payroll, accounts payable and reporting).
Experience with Skyward School Management or Skyward Qmlativ.
Knowledge of Washington payroll requirements, including PFML, WA Cares Fund, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation.
Familiarity with Washington public school accounting, fund accounting, purchasing requirements, and audits.
Experience developing SOPs, internal controls, training materials, or process improvements.