Job Details
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Controller, the Senior Accountant assists with the accounting processes of the university, such as students' accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, general accounting, grant accounting, financial and regulatory reporting. This position also serves as the back-up payroll processor.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Ensure proper recording of assets, liabilities, funds, revenues, and expenses in compliance with GAAP, applicable laws, regulations, university policies and donor requirements. This includes monthly, quarterly, and annual closing entries and procedures.
Assist with the preparation and analysis of financial reports both internal and external including those requested by the government and private organizations; and monthly financial statements and variance reports.
Assist with the annual audit, including worksheet preparation and planning with University external auditors, to achieve a comprehensive audit in a minimum amount of time. Also includes assistance with the annual Form 990 tax filing, loan compliance reporting, and any additional federal and/or regulatory reporting.
Assist with the monitoring of University investments and cash management, including the tracking of endowment funds for underwater investments and the reconciliation of bank accounts.
Provide support for the management of the general ledger system including creation and design of system reports, according to specifications described, thereby utilizing the data base to assist in financial reporting, projections, budgeting and collection. Also includes assisting with account and user set-up for the system.
Perform monthly reconciliations of bank accounts, balance sheet accounts, Pell and Direct Loan activity. This also includes follow-up on unreconciled items and tracking outstanding checks.
Serve as back-up for payroll processing, including running the payroll process multiple times per year for training purposes.
Assist with grant tracking and reporting.
Provide guidance and support to finance interns, when applicable.
Monitor and reconcile Student Government Association (SGA) spending and maintains consistent communication with the SGA treasurer and advisor.
Respond to balance and activity inquiries from budget managers, University Advancement, and individuals responsible for Funds Held in Trust.
Demonstrate proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Knowledge of Ellucian Colleague preferred.
Assist and manage specific projects as designated by the Vice President for Finance/CFO and the Sr. Associate Vice President for Finance/Deputy CFO.
Other related duties may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities at this time.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education/Experience
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required (CPA and/or Master's degree preferred). Minimum of three to five years accounting experience. Higher education and/or not-for-profit accounting experience preferred.
Technical Skills
Proficiency with automated accounting systems.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, financial reports and federal regulations. Ability to respond to inquiries from inter-campus offices or regulatory agencies. Ability to provide explanations for financial transactions both to auditors and to the Controller, Senior Associate Vice President for Finance/Deputy CFO and Vice President for Finance/CFO.
Mathematical Skills
Strong accounting background required. Ability to work with data to create comprehensive reports. Familiarity with statistics, percentages and discounts.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
Interpersonal Skills
Ability to interact effectively and professionally with others.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.