Accounting Officer

About the role

This position performs fiscal management functions and accounting work for Ridgewater College by providing leadership in accounting reconciliation processes, compliance monitoring, financial reporting, and financial transaction processing (banking, purchasing, disbursement, payroll, grants, etc.). This position applies knowledge in accounting to provide financial management analysis, consultation and training for the college.

Responsibilities

• Financial management of grants (federal, state, private), projects, and agreements. Maintain chart of accounts to reflect accurately the cost of grant/project operations. Monitor the financial data throughout the grant/project period ensuring expenses are within parameters of grant/project. Provide required financial reports, complete reimbursement requests for federal and state grants and submit to grantor and assist grant director with close-out requirements including audit. Prepare invoicing per grant/interagency agreements. Reconcile special allocations and grants with SWIFT to ensure accuracy.
• Provide accounting services to ensure lease agreements, PSEO contracts and college revenue activities are accurate and completed according to deadlines. Determine cash flow assistance and monitor appropriations and the year-end closing of all appropriations.
• Regularly review and monitor:
  • Lease agreements — Monitor lease agreements to ensure terms are followed and revenue is receipted appropriately.
  • PSEO contract and letter communications to ensure processes are followed and appropriate actions are taken. Upon receipt of the signed contract notify billing and admissions of appropriate action. Ensure terms are followed and accounts are handled appropriately.
  • Sales tax reporting is accurate and that payments are processed in a timely manner to meet required deadlines.
  • Fund activity and balances. Process data identifying discrepancies and initiate the appropriate action to resolve issues. Includes sales tax submission and reporting, entertainer tax reporting, record donations, financial aid, VA Chapter 33 funding, student tool charges. Make recommendations on future direction and alternative solutions. Ensure costs of operations is reflected accurately, and funding is received or disbursed on time.
• Special project assistance. Assist with special projects as assigned by Vice President of Finance and Operations.
• Void checks and cancel direct deposits. Ensuring funds are handled appropriately, reissued or returned to source.
• Reconciliation of State Financial Aid.
• Provide budget summary and detail reports monthly and upon request. Interpret and audit budget reports, provide details, identify discrepancies and initiate the appropriate correction. Determine, initiate and communicate the appropriate action to resolve issues; this may include a journal entry, expenditure correction, purchasing adjustments or a budget revision. Ensure expenditures are properly recorded in Minnesota State Accounting System within the guidelines of Ridgewater College, Minnesota State and State of Minnesota policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two years of work-related experience. A Bachelor's degree may substitute for 12 months, and an Associate's degree may substitute for 6 months.
• Skilled in accounts receivable and computerized billing systems, with the ability to accurately enter, access, and correct financial data.
• Experienced in accounting systems, capable of querying and compiling records, preparing reports, and supporting the development of spending plans, financial status updates, and budget requests.
• Knowledge of basic accounting procedures, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and maintaining precise, complete financial records.
• Skilled in analyzing, interpreting, reconciling, and preparing financial information; adept at identifying discrepancies and recommending effective solutions to procedural or fiscal issues.
• Ability to interpret and explain accounting and related fiscal policies, procedures, and practices to customers.
• Knowledge of business practices, principles, and protocols as applied to disbursements, purchasing and receipts techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and perform effectively under pressure while meeting deadlines with accuracy; adaptable to acquiring new skills and knowledge as responsibilities evolve.
• Familiarity with ISRS, MnSCU Accounting, Workday, Microsoft Office Suite, credit card systems, State of Minnesota eServices (DOR collections), and Perceptive Content.
• Hands-on experience with document management systems, including setup and ongoing maintenance (e.g., Perceptive Content).
• Competence in developing and documenting procedures, recommending best practices, and revising processes in response to changing requirements and technologies.
• Commitment to fostering inclusivity, with demonstrated knowledge of and interest in diverse cultures and populations.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays each year
• Medical Insurance (Single Coverage $48.94 per month and Family Coverage is $333.91 per month)
• Dental Insurance (low deductibles; single coverage $14.50 per month and family coverage is $61.86 per month)
• Paid Parental Leave (six weeks)
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Retirement Plan
• Tax-deferred Compensation
• Generous vacation and sick leave

Pay & Schedule

Full Time, Unlimited. Monday – Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM. Wage: $24.40 – $35.30/hourly ($50,947 – $73,706/annually). Bargaining Unit: MAPE, 214. Campus: Hutchinson or Willmar (chosen upon hire).