Senior Accountant

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Research Administration Operations

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Hybrid 02 (On Campus 2 days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

Working under the supervision of the Manager of OSARA, the Senior Accountant position will aid in the management of  federal and privately sponsored awards. This includes performing and/or assisting in the review of budget data for  accuracy; creating and entering journal entries; establishing awards in the financial system; preparing required sponsor forms and invoices for approval, and the preparation of financial analysis schedules required for audits. 

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Review and reconcile financial transactions and prepare necessary corrections as needed. Work is reviewed and approved by the Accounting Manager or a Senior Accountant.

• Prepares Federal and Non-Federal Financial Reports monthly in accordance with the established policies and procedures, and contractual requirements while also submitting invoices and requesting reimbursement via the use of complicated Sponsor Cash Management Systems.

• Collaborates with unit personnel to resolve financial issues, answers fiscal data inquiries from unit managers, research faculty, sponsors, external sources, etc.

• Prepares assigned audit schedules, which may include the Schedule of Federal Awards for the annual Single Audit, and provides support for annual audits, desk reviews, and site visits in accordance with instructions provided by the GCA management team. 

• Directly supports Grants accountants on answering fiscal data inquiries from unit managers, research faculty, sponsor funder, external sources, etc.  

• Special duties and projects as assigned by the OSARA Director or Accounting Manager.

Competencies:

• Serving Customers.

• ​Prioritizing and Organizing​.

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information​.

• Displaying Creativity.

Salary Range:

• $74,000 to $78,000 annually.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: 

• Full-Time.

•  Hybrid Position.

• 35 hours per week.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree​ In accounting or related business field that includes Accounting coursework.  

• ​ ​​3-5 years of relevant experience​.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Skill using Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to develop briefings,  presentations, and reports, and conduct analysis. 

• Excellent communication skills. 

• Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures. 

• Knowledge of fiscal management/ accounting software applications. 

• Ability to enter, maintain, and compile accounting, budgetary, fiscal, labor/ payroll and leave data. 

• Must possess a basic understanding of accounting principles su