Job Details
TITLE: Senior Accountant
DEPARTMENT: Finance and Administration
REPORTS TO: Controller
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The purpose of the Senior Accountant is to manage and oversee the financial operations and accounting functions of the institution. This position plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, preparing financial reports, and complying with relevant accounting standards. The role is essential in maintaining fiscal responsibility, transparency, and adherence to regulatory requirements within the university's financial framework.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: Under general supervision, performs standard accounting functions such as ledger maintenance, cost analysis, reconciliation, posting, and inventory control. Analyzes financial and operating data and prepares management reports and financial statements.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
* Analyzes and reviews budgets and expenditures for local, state, federal, and private funding, contracts, and grants ensuring compliance with fiscal accountability and reporting and funding requirements.
* Monitors and reviews accounting and related system reports for accuracy and completeness; prepares and reviews budget, revenue, expense, and payroll entries, invoices, and other accounting transactions.
* Analyzes revenue and expenditure trends, recommends appropriate budget levels, and ensures expenditure control.
* Advises and interprets policies to faculty, staff, and outside persons such as vendors and funding source representatives, explains billings and reports, and resolves related problems.
* Develops accounting applications; oversees the input and handling of financial data and reports for the institution's finance and human resources systems.
* May participate in auditing projects, as appropriate to individual operating needs.
* May coordinate the preparation of regularly scheduled and special billings and financial statements for local, state, federal, and private funding sources.
* May prepare accounting entries for pro-ration of indirect costs, letters of credit, salary reallocations, loan transactions, financial aid disbursements, refunds, and repayments.
* May develop, negotiate, and defend a unit's operating budget and consult with management of the unit on the fiscal aspects of program planning, salary recommendations, and other administrative actions.
* May supervise and/or lead lower graded staff and/or student employees.
* Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or in a related field including at least 12 credit hours of Accounting; 1 to 3 years experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
* Ability to analyze budgetary expenditures for compliance with funding agencies' budget, policies and procedures.
* Spreadsheet software skills to quantify and illustrate routine financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections.
* Account balancing and reconciling skills.
* Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications.
* Ability to effectively communicate accounting information, policies, and/or procedures in a manner easily understood by the customer.
* Ability to serve on committees which develop accounting policies and procedures.
* Knowledge of university and/or public auditing policies, standards, and procedures.
* Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.
* Ability to supervise and train assigned staff.
* Knowledge of current changes and/or developments in applicable federal, state, local laws, and university policies and procedures.
* Knowledge of University accounting procedures involving procurement, travel, and/or employment.
* Knowledge of standard and/or fund accounting principles, methods and applications.
* Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations.
* Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and/or projections.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
* Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
* No or very limited physical effort required.
* No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.
KENTUCKY STATE UNVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.