ACCOUNTANT - Bentley University - Waltham, MA

Job Summary

Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accountant to support the financial operations of the dining services program at Bentley University. This role is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, reconciliation, budgeting, forecasting, payroll administration, and ensuring compliance with company financial policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate will possess strong accounting expertise, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to support operational leaders with accurate financial information and business insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain accurate monthly financial statements, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
• Perform account reconciliations and detailed analysis of balance sheet accounts.
• Review and maintain general ledger activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Assist with the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Analyze operating results and identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Monitor cash handling procedures and perform cash, credit card, and revenue reconciliations.
• Support internal and external audit requests by gathering documentation and preparing reports.
• Maintain inventory accounting and assist with cost control initiatives.
• Process and reconcile payroll data while ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and management reports for leadership.
• Partner with dining operations leaders to provide financial guidance and support decision-making.
• Ensure adherence to Compass Group and Chartwells financial controls and reporting standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business discipline.
• 3-5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with financial reporting, general ledger accounting, account reconciliation, and budgeting.
• Previous experience in foodservice, hospitality, retail, higher education, or multi-unit operations preferred.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and accounting principles.
• Experience working with POS systems, revenue reporting, and cash reconciliation processes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and financial modeling.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.

What Will Make You Successful

• Ability to translate financial data into meaningful business insights.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Comfortable working with large volumes of financial data.
• Ability to build relationships with operations leaders while maintaining financial accountability.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.