Senior Accountant

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) invites applications for the role of Senior Accountant – Financial Analysis & Reporting. This position integrates high-level financial reporting responsibilities with complex data analysis and strategic accounting. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in GAAP/GASB compliance, exceptional analytical skills, and a passion for enhancing financial processes in a higher education setting. This individual will play a key role in maintaining strong internal controls, ensuring accurate compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, and driving financial insight across campus. A CPA credential and experience in university or government accounting are highly valued.

Duties/Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance:
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead the development of the university’s Annual Financial Report in compliance with GAAP, GASB, and NACUBO standards.
• Ensure accurate classification of revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal financial reporting requirements
• Stay current on changes in accounting standards and assess impacts on university reporting.

General Ledger & Account Management:
• Oversee monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Post and review journal entries and adjustments; ensure all transactions are accurately reflected.
• Perform detailed reconciliations of balance sheet accounts.
• Maintain chart of accounts and assist in fund setup/maintenance

Special Projects & Systems Support:
• Lead or contribute to financial system upgrades and implementations (e.g., Banner, Oracle, Workday).
• Participate in institutional initiatives requiring financial modeling or ad hoc reporting.
• Recommend and implement process improvements using data and automation.

Internal Controls & Audit Support:
• Design, implement, and maintain effective internal control structures to ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Coordinate preparation of audit schedules and documentation for external auditors.
• Support internal audits and implement corrective actions for findings.
• Ensure financial transactions comply with institutional, state, and federal policies.

Financial Analysis & Decision Support:
• Analyze financial data and trends to support budget decisions, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Perform variance and trend analysis on revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.
• Translate complex financial data into insights for university leadership and departments.
• Support scenario planning and institutional financial modeling

Cross-Department Collaboration & Training:
• Serve as a liaison to academic and administrative units for financial reporting and analysis needs.
• Provide training to departments on financial policies, reports, and budgeting best practices.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to improve system efficiency and reporting capabilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible accounting or financial analysis
experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB standards.
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems (e.g., Banner, Oracle, PeopleSoft,
Workday).
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and complex formulas.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and communication skills.

• CPA certification (active or eligible within 6 months).
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA.
• Experience in higher education, government, or nonprofit accounting.
• Familiarity with NACUBO financial reporting guidelines.
• Experience with data analytics or business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Project leadership in ERP implementations or reporting automation.

$75,000 - $85,000