Accountant; Accounts Payable

Employment type

Permanent, full-time, 1 year contract renewal cycle.

Up to $80,000 pa (dependent on experience).

1 September 2026.

York Preparatory School is a New York City independent school committed to creating a nurturing environment that challenges and supports each student in a diverse and inclusive setting. Compassionate and accessible educators guide our students through a traditional and rigorous curriculum, while employing a range of innovative techniques to cultivate each individual student’s skills, abilities, and interests. York strives to educate the whole child, meeting each student where they are, and supporting them as they grow into lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

As an Accounts Payable Accountant, you will play a key role in supporting the school’s financial operations by ensuring all expenditures are processed accurately and on time. You will manage invoice processing, staff reimbursements, and vendor payments, while maintaining strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Your responsibilities will include bank and credit card reconciliations, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with financial controls and school policies.

You will also support month‑end and year‑end processes, maintain organised financial records, and contribute to audit readiness. This is a detail‑focused role where your organisation and proactive approach will help ensure financial integrity and smooth day‑to‑day operations.

You are highly organised, detail-oriented, and confident managing accounts payable processes in a fast-paced environment. You have experience working with financial systems and a strong understanding of accounting principles, including reconciliations and invoice management. You communicate clearly and professionally, building positive relationships with colleagues and vendors alike. You are comfortable using Excel and accounting software such as Sage or Net Suite, and you take pride in maintaining accurate records.

Above all, you are proactive, reliable, and committed to delivering high-quality work while supporting a collaborative and compliant working environment.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safeguarding practice and pre‑employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.