Lead Accountant III

Job Summary

The Lead Accountant III position performs advanced professional accounting work requiring a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices and substantial judgment and discretion. Incumbent will lead the day-to-day activities and review the work of clerical, technical or professional employees engaged in accounting, financial record-keeping, or financial reporting work, and provide input to the employee performance evaluation process. This Accountant III position focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on Student Finance, Financial Aid, and various tax reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that assigned accounting activities are carried out in accordance with established policies and procedures and generally accepted accounting standards
• Lead the day-to-day activities, review and approve the works of various functions within Accounting Services
• Provide training, guidance, and assistance to Accountants I and II and other professional and technical staff.  Guide cross-training of staff to ensure continued operations in case of absences
• Cross train, as needed, to assist other Accountant III positions
• Proactively manage due dates for areas of responsibility
• Provide input in the employee performance evaluation process
• Review existing processes to identify opportunities for improvement, address internal control weaknesses, and develop enhanced processes to close gaps and strengthen operational efficiency
• Assure that assigned accounting reporting systems and procedures are in compliance with established administrative policies and procedures and acceptable accounting standards
• Analyze accounting control procedures 
• Document and maintain business processes
• Periodically review and recommend/implement improvements to standards and procedures
• Interpret financial reports and statements and identify problem areas
• Prepare complex financial statements and reports
• Analyze account balances and reconcile balances to external data
• Identify actual or potential problems and recommend corrective or preventative action
• Assist in correcting and reconciling General Ledger balances
• Perform advanced professional accounting work requiring a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Federal and State regulations
• Exercise substantial judgment and discretion
• Prepare various schedules and analysis required for month-end, year-end close and audits 
• Assists the Senior Director and Assistant Director(s) with completing timely and accurate Financial Statements for external auditors and the Chancellor’s Office
• Represent the university to external organizations on specific issues
• Provide technical advice and consultation to administrators and campus community

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Advanced proficiency with current word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems and/or other types of records management systems
• General knowledge of governmental accounting, internal control methods, and related laws, rules and regulations
• Strong Knowledge of Fund Accounting and General Ledger Reconciliation
• Working knowledge of federal student financial aid annual reporting requirements, and quarterly grant reporting requirements
• Ability to prepare complex financial statements and reports
• Ability to analyze financial and statistical data to draw conclusions
• Ability to interpret and follow instructions and policy guidelines
• Ability to present statistical and mathematical data
• Ability to utilize problem solving techniques
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and principles as a basis for decisions and recommendations regarding accounting activities
• Ability to communicate effectively with others inside and outside the organization, including conveying technical information to non-accountants
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a closely related field or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities
• Equivalent to fi