Senior Accountant

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION:

The Senior Accountant will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting within the university. This position is primarily responsible for financial reporting; managing the accounting for the University, including month end close, investment and endowment accounting; and post grant management for federal, state, and local grants. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting skills, a deep understanding of higher education financial practices, and a passion for contributing to the fiscal health of the university.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Supports the accounting and other operational responsibilities within the controller’s office. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The Senior Accountant has a broad scope of responsibilities, which may include and is not limited to:

• Financial Accounting Support: Oversee and assist with all financial accounting operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations and standards. This includes preparation of the University’s 990 and 990T on an annual basis.
• Contract and Grant Management: Administer and monitor contracts and grants, ensuring compliance with terms and effective financial reporting.
• Gift and Cash Management: Manage gift revenue, pledges and cash flow, ensuring timely and accurate processing of gifts in the general ledger as well as reconciling the general ledger to CRM.
• General Ledger Oversight: Support activities affecting the general ledger, including reconciliations, adjustments, and error resolution.
• Year-End Processes: Collaborate on year-end financial activities, including the preparation of financial statements and schedules as well as coordinating with external auditors and addressing their requests.
• Financial Systems Support: Assist with maintaining and enhancing financial systems, resolving technical issues, and testing system updates.
• Communications and Reporting: Develop and distribute financial information and updates from the Controller’s Office through meetings, email communications, website updates, and other appropriate channels.

MARGINAL DUTIES:

• Participates in University meetings and or committees when necessary.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting. CPA and/or master’s degree in accounting is desirable.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of accounting experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess a high level of accuracy, attention to details, thorough, well organized, and effectively manages time.
• Ability to multitask, manage priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.  Willingness to work extra hours when required.
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with staff, faculty, and students.
• Ability to read and understand procedures manuals and other communications.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills with a wide range of university and external community members.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Desire and ability to be a part of a team and develop a team environment.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data, including financial statements, key financial ratios, and other complex financial models.