Accounting Specialist

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Controller's Office

Job Description

Job Summary

As a member of the Controller's Office, support the accounting and compliance functions of the College. Process journal entries, review and post intra-departmental transfers and reconcile accounts. Participate in monthly and quarterly closing and reporting processes, including: expense allocations, accruing liabilities and amortizing prepaid expenses per Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and posting College-wide journal transfers and accounting adjustments. Train stakeholders in the College’s budget and accounting system. Support and enforce College policies and procedures. Assist in the preparation of the quarterly financial packet, annual audited financial statements, and required filings. Lead responsible areas in continual process change and improvement. Workday Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the “Record-to-Report” business processes and Community training lead for Journal Transfers, Accounting Adjustments and Automated and Operational Journals. Liaison with Information Technology Services (ITS) to enhance technology use and solve technical problems. Support the training and supervision of Controller’s Office Contractors, Junior Accountants and Interns. Support other members of the Controller and Finance department as appropriate.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

General Accounting (85%):

• Organizes, prepares and updates monthly, quarterly and annual journal entries, accounts, ledgers and reports within an automated financial system to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions.
• Prepares and analyzes data, reports and records, identifies discrepancies, investigates, recommends and implements solutions as needed
• Develops and maintains automated financial systems & tools, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
• Participates in the reconciliations of accounts related to college operations: accounts payable, accounts receivable, accruals, deferrals, intercompany accounts and chargebacks, cash receipts and prepaid expenses. 
• Reviews, corrects and processes Controller’s Office and Community journal entries (High Volume Activity) on both Common (Budget) and GAAP Accounting Books. 
• Assists in preparation, coordination, and implementation of general accounting policies at the College. 
• Assists in the preparation of compliance and management reports and support the annual audit process.
• Responds to inquiries and research questions from stakeholders; Offer guidance and training to departments in the use of financial systems and with accounting matters. 
• Supports the annual 1099 reporting process. 

Other (15%):

• Assists the accounting, payroll and student employment teams in projects and processes as needed.
• Serves as backup for other team members. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Supports the Receivables and Cashier functions and serve as primary backup. 

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses):

• Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and/or professional certification such as CPA preferred.  Demonstrated intermediate accounting knowledge; non-profit and higher education experience preferred.

Skills:

• Good judgment, pleasant telephone manner, dependability, attention to detail, strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated customer service experience in supporting users with accounting processes and systems.
• Deadline and detail oriented.
• Analytical approach to complicated reconciliation and data problems. Advanced MS Excel skill and proficiency with MS and Google suites and complex cloud-based financial systems.