Senior Accountant, Fixed Assets

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Accountant for Fixed Assets and Capital Projects is responsible for managing the accounting, reporting, and control of the university’s fixed assets and capital projects. This role ensures accurate capitalization, depreciation, and disposal of assets while maintaining compliance with accounting standards and university policies.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

N/A

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The position involves close collaboration with the Facilities and Capital Planning departments, as well as other stakeholders across the university, to track and account for capital projects from inception to completion.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Oversee the accounting and financial reporting for the university’s fixed assets, ensuring accurate recording of acquisitions, transfers, depreciation, and disposals in Workday.
• Coordinate the capitalization of construction projects in progress (CIP), ensuring timely and accurate classification of project costs.
• Collaborate with departments to ensure all capital expenditures are properly supported and meet university capitalization thresholds.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of the fixed asset ledger to the general ledger.
• Monitor and report on capital project budgets, working with project managers to track expenditures and project progress.
• Develop and implement procedures for fixed asset physical inventories and impairment reviews.
• Maintain fixed asset sub-ledgers and prepare adjusting journal entries as needed to correct discrepancies.
• Support the annual audit by preparing schedules and providing documentation related to fixed assets and capital projects.
• Review and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards (e.g., GAAP) and university policies.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and footnotes related to fixed assets and capital projects.
• Provide training and guidance to university departments on fixed asset accounting and related processes.
• Assist with the bi-annual physical inventory counts of fixed assets, ensuring all assets are accurately accounted for and discrepancies are resolved.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex environment is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards.
• Experience with Workday Financials or similar enterprise accounting systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• This is a full-time position, with occasional extended hours required during peak periods (e.g., year-end close, audits).
• Hybrid work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA or CPA candidate preferred. Minimum of 5 years of relevant accounting experience, with a focus on fixed as