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!