Staff Accountant

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

The General Accounting Office (GAO), in the University’s Office of the CFO (OCFO), is responsible for the integrity of the University's financial records and systems. GAO ensures that the transactions entered into the University's General Ledger adhere to both the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the accounting policies of the University. The General Accounting Office promotes the efficient use and stewardship of University resources in compliance with laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, utilizing their technical, financial, and analytical expertise in accounting knowledge.

Reporting to the Director of Campus Accounting, the Accountant assists with the effective and efficient review and processing of general ledger transactions for the assigned unit. This position works under tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities, including general ledger review, month-end close activities, and special projects. This position requires expert accounting skills and judgment. The position must develop an atmosphere of teamwork with School faculty, staff, other departments, and OCFO leadership. Additionally, the role will demonstrate excellent customer service to assigned schools and admin units. This position provides a growth path to Senior Accountant.

Additional duties include, but are not limited to:

• Financial reporting, assuring compliance with internal accounting controls, and verification of the account activity and account balance every month for the assigned unit(s).

• Ensuring that assigned general ledger accounts are fully reconciled on a monthly or quarterly basis and preparing adjusting journal entries when required. 

• Preparing support and documentation for monthly closing entries.

• Monitoring unit-based fund accounting and assuring compliance for utilization of temporarily restricted (TR) funds.

• Complete requested Payroll Accounting Adjustments and Deposit Tickets for assigned unit(s) when requested.

• Participate in user acceptance training for Workday financial system updates.

Work Interactions

The Staff Accountant works closely with faculty and staff to ensure that accounting entries are properly prepared and that relevant internal control policies and guidelines are adhered to. 

Specific work interactions include but are not limited to the following:

• Coordinating with the unit’s financial management administrator(s)

• Coordinating with the unit’s Procurement Analyst as needed

• Participating in campus and university‐wide financial meetings, task forces, and working groups as assigned

• Attending and participating in mandatory and recommended training and development opportunities

• Supporting in other areas as, assigned, including providing back-up to other accountants as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

• 2-3 years progressive experience in financial accounting and reporting

• Ability to understand the University’s cost center hierarchy, chart of accounts, and budgeted accounts to allocate expenses. 

• Strong Excel and general data analysis skills required (analyzing instances to identify errors, challenges, etc. and areas for process improvements), including ability to initiate, review, track, and monitor financial transactions/requests through to completion.

• Ability to run and utilize financial system reports for financial management purposes

• Professional demeanor, communications, and ability to provide exceptional customer service

• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to triage and escalate complex issues to team lead, supervisors, or appropriate School contacts. 

• Great attention to detail.

• Service oriented, professional demeanor and team orientation is required

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