Senior Finance Accountant

Job Description:

Berklee is searching for an analytical and proactive Senior Finance Accountant to join our Accounting team. If you are a financial professional who thrives in a mission-driven environment and enjoys the intersection of technical accounting and innovation, this is your chance to shine. At Berklee, every spreadsheet and reconciliation directly supports our student-centered goal: providing world-class musicians and performers with the resources they need to succeed. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.

About the Role & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Accounting, the Senior Finance Accountant oversees the integrity and control of Berklee’s financial records. This role is the primary lead for Property, Plant, and Equipment (PP&E), lease accounting, and bond compliance. This is a vital position that ensures our physical campus and financial assets are managed with precision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Capital Asset Management: Oversee the purchasing, tracking, depreciation, and reporting for all PP&E. You’ll review capital accounts within Workday, manage routine inventories, and provide monthly depreciation forecasts.
• Lease Accounting (ASC 842): Manage rental income and lease reconciliations. You’ll ensure rent expenses, right-of-use assets, and liabilities are recorded in strict accordance with ASC 842 standards, keeping pace with FASB changes.
• Bond Compliance: Handle bond-related accounting and assist leadership with annual reporting and compliance requirements.
• Reporting & Audits: Support the Director of Accounting with annual filings (such as 3ABC and Census Bureau surveys) and prepare comprehensive work paper packages for the fiscal year-end audit.
• Month-End Close: Assist the Assistant Controller with journal entries and reporting to ensure a smooth and accurate close process.
• Process Improvement: Create and update procedural manuals to ensure the accounting team remains efficient and innovative.

What You'll Bring

We are looking for an organized teammate who can work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting.
• 5+ years of accounting experience (experience in higher education or non-profits is a plus).
• Strong technical knowledge of ASC 842 lease standards.
• Proficiency in modern accounting software and spreadsheet applications (experience with Workday is highly desirable).
• A detail-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and constituents across the institution.

Berklee Culture & Benefits

Berklee’s mission is to educate, train, and develop the world's most inspired and innovative artists. You'll be part of a passionate, diverse, and global community dedicated to this vision.

Here, you’ll find:

• A mission-driven culture where your ideas matter and your impact is visible.
• A diverse and inclusive community committed to lifelong learning and collaboration.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays, including a winter break, to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Tuition benefits for you and your family, including free or discounted courses.
• Retirement planning with a 403(b) plan and matching contributions.
• Access to unforgettable performances, guest artists, and events.

Join us in ensuring the financial foundation of the future of music and performance!

Hiring Range: $95,000 to $113,000; salary dependent on relevant experience and education.

Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee: 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*