Accounting Associate

Accounting Associate [Remote, Full-time]

We are seeking a detail-oriented, proactive, and thrive on keeping financial operations running smoothly, especially when it comes to  payroll processing and general accounting. Accuracy is wildly important to you, and you take pride in ensuring compliance and getting it right the first time.  You're energized by being a go-to resource for everything from overseeing the payroll process to  assisting the Finance team with month-end close and reporting activities. You have  a strong foundation in accounting principles, excellent analytical skills, and the opportunity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment gets you excited

POSITION DETAILS

Structured as a remote full-time, salaried position. This position will report to the Assistant Controller.

We have been a 100% remote company since the beginning!  This position is eligible for remote work from the following locations: USA.

AOE is an art teacher’s partner for life. We provide art-specific professional development, engaging curriculum, relevant resources, and rigorous master’s degree programs.

MISSION: We grow amazing teachers by providing rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning at every stage of their career.

VALUES: 

• Artistry: Ignite creativity and inspire growth through curiosity
• Connection: Unite, grow, and thrive
• Impact: A measured effort to do good and do well

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Run Payroll Like Clockwork: Process payroll twice per month (15th and 30th), ensuring accuracy in wages, bonuses, commissions, tax withholdings, and timesheets. Review and resolve any discrepancies before payroll is finalized. 
• Administer Employee Benefits: Manage employee benefits, including HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life insurance programs, ensuring accurate deductions, timely reporting, and providing support to employees with benefit-related questions.
• Reconciliation & Reporting: Reconcile payroll accounts, prepare journal entries, and generate reports that provide Finance leadership with clear and actionable insights.
• Keep Tax and Compliance Audit-Ready: Partner with the Finance team to ensure timely payroll tax filings, maintain accurate payroll records, and ensure compliance to support internal and external audits.
• Partner with Team & Culture: Collaborate closely with the Team & Culture team on employee data updates, payroll-related inquiries, and processes that impact both people and compensation.
• Support Month-End Close: Assist the Finance team with month-end close activities, including reconciliations, financial reporting, and general ledger maintenance. 
• Cash Management & Special Projects: Support cash management processes and contribute to audits, ad-hoc reporting, and other finance initiatives that enhance operational efficiency as the company grows.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of payroll processes, tax regulations, and basic accounting principles
• Experience with payroll and banking systems (Paycom preferred, not required)
• Proficiency in Google Sheets, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data analysis
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Effective communication skills and the ability to handle confidential information responsibly

While we have outlined key requirements for this role, we recognize that not all candidates will meet every qualification. We encourage individuals who believe they have the relevant skills and experience to apply, even if they do not fully meet each requirement listed.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 1-3 years of experience in finance, accounting, or payroll with hands-on exposure to payroll, AR/AP, QuickBooks and monthly closes. 

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to view computer screens for significant periods of time. The Art of Education University is an online university therefore 95-98% of one’s time will be on or using technology.
• Ability to use a laptop keyboard with accuracy.
• Ability to hear at normal levels and through electronic devices such as laptops, earbuds, phones, and the like.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE 

• Health, dental, and vision plans with 100% premium coverage for individual employees, employer HSA contribution, and no waiting period (effective 1st month after hire)  
• 401K plan with 4% match, no waiting or vesting period
• Self-managed PTO (15+ days/year encouraged)
• All federal holidays off + an end-of-year holiday shutdown 
• $50/month mobile, internet, or coworking space stipend
• $600 home office equipment stipend
• Fully remote, flexible schedule
• Dependent care FSA
• Life insurance
• 8+ weeks paid parental leave
• Lifelong Learning Fund for professional development and educational reimbursement 
• Free product access (1 FLEX/PRO license to use or gift, plus free AOEU grad courses)
• Apple tech suite, 1Password family, ChatGPT subscriptions

For additional information surrounding our offered benefits, visit our website.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is commensurate with experience and market. We encourage you to discuss your compensation requirements early in the process.

We want every candidate to have a clear, intentional experience. Here's what to expect: 

• Online Application: Your application gives us a sense of your background, experience, and interests. Alongside your resume, you'll answer a few short questions so we can get to know you beyond the page.
• Culture Connection: A 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation with a member of our Team & Culture team. A chance for us to learn about your background, and for both of us to explore how you'd fit and add to AOE's culture.
• Technical Connection: A 60-minute Zoom with the hiring manager. We'll go deeper into the skills and day-to-day of the role, how you'd work with the team, and what you'd bring (and you'll get a chance to know your potential leader).
• Project: A short, async assignment that reflects real work in the role. It's your opportunity to show your skills in action and helps us see the quality and thinking behind your work. We'll give you clear directions and scope upfront, but its designed to take less than an hour. 
• Stakeholder Connection: A final 60-minute Zoom with the hiring manager and their leader or other collaborators. You'll walk us through your project, and we'll cover any final questions about the role, the team, and life at AOE.

For some roles, we may add a step or adjust slightly;  we'll always keep it streamlined and let you know what to expect.