OVERVIEW: MEET THE JAZZ HOUSE
For twenty two years, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS has been an instrument for change, transforming lives using the power and the uniquely American art form of jazz, through world-class education and performances that create avenues of access, learning, career development and community building. We use jazz and the joy of music, advanced by master practitioners, as a gateway to student achievement.
The JAZZ HOUSE and students have received more than 135 awards and honors for excellence in jazz and jazz education. Every day of the week through a series of in-school and out-of-school programs in New Jersey and New York City, the JAZZ HOUSE helps young people gain an artistic edge. We use jazz and the joy of music, advanced by master musicians, as a gateway to student achievement. Our award-winning organization has documented outcomes including boosted social and emotional learning, improved academic outcomes, acquisition of life skills, and increased civic engagement. Alumni are among the most talented young jazz musicians and young professionals in the nation. Every day we keep our promise to build community leaders and develop global citizens through America’s original art form of jazz.
The JAZZ HOUSE produces more than 150 free, annual concerts for nearly 250,000 fans in-person and online. The MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL, our signature cultural program is the region’s largest jazz festival reaching 25,000 fans. Our Artistic Director is 8 x GRAMMY winner Christian McBride and the Artistic Director of the Newport Jazz Festival. Our VP of Jazz Education and Associate Producer is Ted Chubb. In addition, we are recognized as a curator of elite one-of-a-kind client activation experiences with top award-winning artists and celebrated young talent.
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Full-Charge Bookkeeper to help manage our financial transactions and ensure the accuracy of our financial records. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of accounting principles, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to supporting the financial health and sustainability of our mission.
HOW YOU’LL HELP
Financial Record Maintenance:
- Accurately record all daily financial transactions including bank accounts and credit cards and perform online financial transfers as needed.
- Maintain organizational financial tracking tools, including banking, pending payments and pending receivables in Excel spreadsheets.
- Download pay-site (Bloomerang, Active, WIX, PayPal, Square, etc.) activity regularly, organize the data, and maintain the information in financial tracking tools.
- Ensure proper and consistent coding and categorization of revenue and expenses for tracking and analysis purposes.
- Create a file for all financial-related transactions using established filing protocols.
- Daily enter/update financial records in QuickBooks as directed. Maintain an accurate general ledger.
Reconciliation:
- Reconcile bank statements and other financial accounts on a regular basis.
- Investigate and resolve any discrepancies or issues in a timely manner.
- Reconcile finances related to all performance and event-related activities, with the expectation that this may be up to five (5) performances and/or events per week.
Accounts Payable and Receivable:
- Process timely payments to vendors via checks, credit card, and online bank transfers.
- Take the lead to make approved purchases on behalf of the staff and ensure tax exemption and W9 forms are up to date with vendors when applicable.
- Prepare and send invoices to vendors, track receivables, and follow up on overdue payments.
Department Support:
- Take the lead on daily monitoring of the finance email inbox; disseminate and respond to messages in a timely manner.
- Ensure orderly file maintenance, filing all financial documents electronically in PDF format as per established filing protocols.
- Oversee all bank deposits (either in-person at the bank or utilizing desktop check scanning hardware), petty cash, credit card accounts, and lines of credit.
- Gather, organize, and summarize accurate financial information to produce general purpose financial statements, as well as reports for budgeting and forecasting decision-making.
Budget Support:
- Assist in the development and monitoring of the organization’s budget.
- Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure budget adherence and provide financial insights.
Compliance:
- Conduct regular audits to ensure the accuracy of financial records (e.g. all relevant documents have been filed, assisting staff to complete filing requirements for accurate record keeping, etc.)
- Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting regulations and reporting requirements for non-profit organizations.
- Support audits and financial reviews as needed.
This job description is a general outline of job requirements and duties, and may not include all job functions that may be required.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
- Proven experience as a bookkeeper or in a similar role.
- Familiarity with accounting software, preferably QuickBooks.
- Knowledge of non-profit accounting principles and compliance requirements.
Skills
- Strong Windows Computing skills
- Strong (intermediate) Excel and desktop computing skills.
- Strong Adobe Acrobat software skills
- Strong Google Suite skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Personal Characteristics
- Punctuality
- Passionate advocate for the value of arts education and youth development
- An appreciation for jazz and an advocate of the arts
- Positive attitude, showing concern for people and community, and interest in working with diverse communities
- Demonstrate self-confidence, common sense, and excellent listening skills.
- Embrace the mission and core values of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS
- Value a diverse and inclusive team at the JAZZ HOUSE
- Ability to communicate the organization’s mission and interests to a broad audience
Schedule: This is a part-time, on-site position working 25 hours per week. The schedule is as follows: 8AM to 1PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
Location: Montclair, NJ, onsite position.
Status: This is a part-time, hourly position
Department: Finance
Report to: VP of Finance + Administration
Additional Finance Department Members : Payroll + Billing Manager
How to Apply
Email employment@jazzhousekids.org with subject line: Bookkeeper. Please write a brief cover letter in the body of the email and attach your resume. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
JAZZ HOUSE KiDS is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Please let us know if you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability.