General Accountant

LANE COLLEGE

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: General Accountant

DEPT: Business and Finance

REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer

FLSA: Exempt

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: The General Accountant performs a variety of accounting and financial tasks, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and payroll processing for faculty, staff, and student employees. This role ensures compliance with institutional policies, government regulations, and accounting best practices while supporting the financial operations of the college.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES includes the following:

Payroll Duties

• Process biweekly payroll for faculty, staff, and student employees.
• Verify timesheets, leave balances, and overtime calculations.
• Ensure accurate deductions for taxes, benefits, retirement plans, and other withholdings.
• Resolve payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries.
• Work directly with Payroll contractor.
• Complete month-end close including roll-forward calculations, payroll accruals, and payroll analysis.
• Reconcile payroll to general ledger including payroll liabilities and quarterly 941s.
• Prepare and submit payroll tax filings and year-end reporting (W-2s, 1095-C, etc.).
• Maintain payroll records in compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Stay updated on payroll regulations affecting higher education (e.g., FLSA, IRS, state labor laws).

Accounting Duties

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
• Prepare and post journal entries for month-end and year-end closing.
• Assist in budget preparation, monitoring, and variance analysis.
• Process pre-pay and receivable transactions as needed.
• Support annual audit preparations and provide documentation as required.
• Assist with grant accounting and restricted fund management (if applicable).
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure proper financial recordkeeping.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure adherence to college policies, state/federal laws, and funding agency requirements.
• Assist with financial reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support compliance with Title IV, NCAA, or other regulatory bodies (if applicable)

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (CPA or CMA). Three - Five years of accounting experience, preferably in higher education or nonprofit sectors. One year payroll processing, preferably in higher education. Experience