Accountant III

Position Information

Tennessee State University invites applications for the position of Accountant III. The Accountant III supports the University’s accounting, daily bank account reconciliation, cash management, general ledger, financial reporting, audit support, and compliance functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Bank Accounts Reconciliation:
  • Perform daily reconciliation of bank transactions, cash activity, deposits, credit cards, EFT/ACH, wires, receipts, and related general ledger activity to ensure items clear accurately and timely.
  • Identify, record, research, and resolve reconciling items such as unrecorded deposits, returned checks, bank fees, rejected payments, and other adjustments.
  • Prepare monthly bank reconciliations in accordance with the University’s Bank Reconciliation policy.
  • Monitor and manage aging reconciling items, coordinate resolution with departments, banks, and third parties, and prepare reconciliations for management review.
• General Accounting Duties:
  • Prepare and record journal entries with proper documentation, approvals, account coding, and compliance with University policies and accounting standards.
  • Monitor accounting transactions for proper coding and coordinate corrections to ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Reconcile various general ledger and balance sheet accounts, maintain supporting schedules, and ensure financial transactions are accurately recorded in Banner or other approved systems.
  • Assist in coordinating financial activities related to auxiliary units and support departments with transaction issues, coding errors, missing documentation, pending approvals, and other financial matters.
  • Process payroll-related entries and assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls:
  • Provide documentation, explanations, and support for internal audit, external audit, and State Audit requests, and maintain workpapers in accordance with audit and record retention standards.
  • Absorb responsibilities for audit responses, including research, documentation, explanations, corrective actions, and follow-up items as assigned.
  • Review transactions for errors, inconsistencies, unusual activity, or potential control concerns and escalate issues as appropriate.
  • Ensure adherence to internal controls, segregation of duties, approval requirements, confidentiality expectations, and applicable University policies and procedures.
• Transaction Processing and Operational Support:
  • Process and review accounting transactions related to accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger activity, travel, and departmental financial operations.
  • Serve as backup for check runs, ACH activity, wire processing, direct deposit activity, and other banking or payment transactions as assigned.
  • Absorb responsibilities for daily financial operations, transaction processing workflows, auxiliary unit financial activity, and departmental accounting support.
• Analysis, Communication, and Continuous Improvement:
  • Conduct research and analysis to resolve accounting discrepancies, reconciliation issues, transaction variances, and other financial questions.
  • Communicate professionally with departments, vendors, banking partners, State Audit, and other stakeholders to resolve financial matters and respond timely to inquiries.
  • Identify process improvement opportunities and support process documentation, standardization, and special projects.
  • Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned to meet departmental and University financial management objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in general accounting, bank reconciliation, cash management, financial reporting, public accounting, governmental accounting, or a related accounting function.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, and other standard office software.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial transactions, research discrepancies, reconcile accounts, and resolve accounting or cash-related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare journal entries, reconciliation reports, financial reports, and supporting documentation in accordance with established policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with internal departments, banking partners, vendors, students, auditors, or other stakeholders to resolve payment, reconciliation, or accounting issues.
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, reconciliation practices, and internal control requirements.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University. Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire. An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section. You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more. Visit https://www.tnstate.edu/hr/benefits.aspx for more information.