Staff Accountant

Williams College is excited to announce two openings for a Staff Accountant, reporting to the Assistant Controller in the Finance Department. As a member of the Finance Office team, the Staff Accountants support the fiscal operation and all financial planning functions of the college. This includes all general accounting processes, financial close, internal and external reporting, audit, tax and compliance filings.  

Staff Accountants share in the responsibilities of the monthly, quarterly and annual reporting processes, including data validation, account reconciliations, and preparing schedules. They will partner in the evaluation of current operations and in advancing improvements for a better user experience, accuracy and access to information, and financial efficiency. This may include supporting the evaluation of technology, system configuration and process improvement initiatives. This position has a substantial customer service orientation, as it supports the Williams community as they navigate these processes.  

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive. 

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities assigned to each of the two positions will be determined in more detail based on the experience and skill set of the final candidates. These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Closing Processes:

• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual closings through account reconciliations, correcting entries, and other tasks.
• Prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries to support the fiscal year financial statement and uniform guidance audits.
• Prepare tax return schedules.

Operational Accounting:

• Perform accounting adjustments (invoices, expense reports, reimbursements).
• Prepare internal funding entries and research accounting issues.
• Manage state charity/tax exempt filings and issue tax exempt certificates.
• State sales tax, use tax, and performers tax filings.
• Lead and assist with projects as needed including the application and enhancement of new accounting system functionality.
• Data analysis and report preparation to support the office’s regulatory reporting requirements and internal needs.  
• Monthly customer billing.  
• Serve as a liaison to the campus community

Banking and Cash Management:

• Bank postings and reconciliation.
• Record and reconcile investment activity.
• Electronic payment processing
• Maintain the cash flow template and support cash management.

Grant and Endowment Accounting:

• Review, approve, and reconcile federal grant expenditures.  Ensure expenditures are allowable and adequate supporting documentation has been submitted.
• Gift recordkeeping and reconciliation.
• Assist with endowment accounting and unitization.

College Payments:

• Review and approve new supplier registration records and certain payments.
• Assist with the 1099 and 1042 filing processes.

Other:

• Participate in team activities, trainings and projects; provide backup support for other members of the team, and perform other duties as needed.
• Data analysis and report preparation to support the office’s regulatory reporting requirements and internal needs.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 2-5 years relevant work experience is required.  

• Strong technical financial operation and accounting skills. 

• Excellent customer service, problem solving and time management skills. 

• Experience working with complex ERP and accounting systems. 

• Strong computer skills including advanced Microsoft Excel, proficiency in greater Microsoft suite, proficiency in Google tools; knowledge of Workday preferred.

• Skills should include: excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication; strong attention to detail and accuracy; strong quantitative skills; good judgment, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to interact with diverse constituencies; ability to manage multiple tasks