Lowell School, a progressive school of approximately 300 students in NW Washington, DC, seeks a Business Office Manager to join the Business Office team. The Business Office Manager reports to the Director of Finance of Operations and plays a critical role in supporting Lowell’s mission and several key financial and operational processes integral to the school’s success.

The position is responsible for managing and processing payroll, accounts payable, tuition billing and receivable management, accounting support, banking, and other administrative and operational tasks. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented, collaborative, and solutions-focused professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and values meaningful work that contributes to community betterment.

Education and Experience:   

• A 4-year college degree is required, preferably in accounting or business administration.

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant administrative and accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit or independent school setting.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Word; experience with accounting software preferred.
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with the ability to contribute to an inclusive work environment.
• Enthusiasm for learning, adaptability, and continuous process improvement.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

Payroll Management and Processing

• Verify staff timesheets in support of the bi-weekly payroll process.
• Maintain employee records and update payroll systems for taxes, direct deposits, and other deductions.
• Run payroll reports, verify accuracy, and prepare bi-weekly payroll for review by the Director of Finance and Operations.
• Collaborate with HR and general staff to ensure payroll deadlines are met.
• Monitor and troubleshoot payroll tax filings.
• Oversee 403(b) plan contribution data integration and maintain employee and employer contribution records.
  
  

Development Support

• Pull donor reports as needed.
• Reconcile donor databases with the Development Team and Controller monthly.
• Record donor cash receipts from checks and merchant accounts.
  
  

Accounting Support

• Review, research, and process accounts payable invoices, expense reimbursements, and credit card charges to ensure validity, accuracy, and correct coding.
• Prepare weekly accounts payable aging and payment selection reports.
  Process weekly payments and manage prepaid and accrued expenses.
• Track and update accounts receivable for school tuition, including billing schedules, fees, and payment plans.
• Prepare and process tuition invoices, collect payments, and assist families with billing inquiries.
• Process DC OSP scholarship invoices for payment and manage the Tuition Refund Process (Dewars).
• Research and resolve accounting-related matters using the general ledger system.
  
  

Banking and Deposits

• Monitor bank and credit account activity and alert the Controller of relevant transactions.
• Record weekly cash receipts, enter authorized ACH, wire, and transfer payments, and prepare monthly bank reconciliations.
  
  

Month-End, Year-End Close, and Audit Support

• Collaborate with the Controller on month-end closing procedures and reconciliations.
• Support year-end close processes and audit preparation.
• Assist with audit schedules, document requests, and compliance-related matters.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and document standard operating procedures and workflow processes.
• Organize and maintain accounting files and support process efficiency initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Controller or Director of Finance and Operations.
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

• Must be able to traverse school facilities and lead students to safety in the event of an emergency.

• Long periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Candidates interested in applying should email a cover letter, resume, and 2 to 3 letters of reference to Christopher Ginter, Director Of Finance and Operations, at employment@lowellschool.org. Please include the position title in the subject line. 

The Expected Salary Range:  $70,000-$85,000

Lowell School offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Lowell is an equal opportunity employer. Lowell complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform a specific job duty.

About LOWELL SCHOOL

Our mission is to create an inclusive community of life-long learners in which individual is valued and respected. At Lowell, dedicated teachers nurture curiosity and help children develop fundamental skills and deep, conceptual understandings that will last a lifetime. In the Pre-Primary School, opportunities abound for exploration, discovery, and learning. Teachers pay close attention to each child’s social, emotional, and academic development. In the Primary and Middle Schools, a rigorous, integrated curriculum—which includes the full complement of academic classes, as well as arts, technology, and physical education—engages students in active, experiential learning. A strong social curriculum develops interpersonal skills, multicultural understanding, and community engagement. A full array of after-school activities—including sports, swimming lessons, music lessons, and minicourses—are also available for all enrolled students.

Connections working at LOWELL SCHOOL