Accounting and Payroll Specialist

Lebanese American University NY • Full-time • New York, New York State, United States • $65k - $85k / year • 1m ago

The Lebanese American University (LAU) New York campus is a growing hub of academic excellence and international engagement. Currently home to 12 staff members, the campus is projected to expand to 30+ employees in the coming years, with plans to enroll students in the future. LAU Lebanon is established in 1924, is a premier US chartered private institution with campuses in Beirut and Byblos. Known for academic excellence and cultural diversity, LAU offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering innovation and preparing students for global citizenship in the MENA region.

LAU New York is seeking an Accounting and Payroll Specialist to oversee key financial functions as the campus grows. This role will handle accounting, payroll processing, and, in the future, student payment processing. The new hire will work closely with the Accounting, Budget, and HR units in Lebanon, which will provide full support and maintain the official books. This collaborative relationship ensures consistency and seamless integration of financial and administrative operations across LAU's global network.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting & Financial Coordination:

o Oversee local accounting activities, including journal entries, month-end closings, and financial reporting for the New York campus.

o Work closely with the accounting team in Lebanon, which will maintain the official books, ensuring alignment and accurate financial documentation.

o Assist in budgeting, financial planning, and audits in coordination with the Lebanon finance team.

Payroll Management:

o Process payroll for current staff and future employees as the New York campus expands.

o Ensure payroll accuracy, tax compliance, and benefit deductions with support from the Lebanon Personnel Accounts Office.

o Maintain payroll records and ensure timely reporting to the Lebanon Personnel Accounts Office.

Control Functions:

o Monitor internal financial controls and ensure compliance with LAU policies, working in tandem with the Lebanon-based financial units.

o Support cash flow monitoring, budgeting, and reporting as needed.

o Liaise with the Lebanon campus for consolidated financial reporting and audits.

Student Payments:

o Support the setup and management of systems for processing student tuition and fee payments once student enrollment begins.

o Ensure coordination with Lebanon’s finance team for student billing and accurate financial reporting.

Collaboration with Lebanon Teams: The Accounting, Budget, and Personnel Accounts Office in Lebanon will provide comprehensive support for this position:

· Accounting and Budget: The Lebanon team will handle all bookkeeping and financial consolidation, with the New York specialist contributing localized financial information and ensuring compliance.

· Personnel Account Support: Payroll and employee benefits will be processed with the assistance and guidance of Lebanon’s Personnel Accounts Office, ensuring consistent practices across both campuses.

· Hybrid schedule with 1 day per week work from home option

Qualifications:

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

· 5+ years of experience in accounting or payroll management, preferably within an academic institution or small to mid-sized organization.

· Strong knowledge of payroll processes and accounting principles.

· Proficiency with accounting and payroll software.

· Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

· Ability to work independently in a small team environment and handle multiple tasks effectively.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on remote collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience in higher education or a nonprofit setting.

· Knowledge of U.S. tax laws and payroll regulations.