Accounting Specialist

Duke University is seeking an Accounting Specialist to support financial operations by maintaining accurate records, reconciling accounts, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. In this role, you’ll work with a variety of financial data—from invoices and general ledger entries to loan activity and reporting—helping ensure everything is accurate, timely, and audit-ready.

About the role

You’ll collaborate with departments across the organization, provide guidance on financial processes, and contribute to reporting that supports decision-making. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with detailed financial data, and playing a key role in maintaining strong internal controls.

This position is on-site at Duke University in Durham, NC.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of complex accounting tasks involved in maintaining financial records and processing related data such as invoices and other documents; monitor and reconcile accounts with detailed financial statements.
• Analyze, verify, and reconcile transactions including, but not limited to, cash letters, wires/ACH’s, and Sharedrafts to ensure that these were recorded to the general ledger accurately, within established timelines, and in alignment with GAAP.
• Utilize knowledge of IRS and NCDOR reporting requirements to ensure payments are calculated and settled within established guidelines.
• Monitor account balances with Corporate Credit Union to maximize income from dividends. Timely reconciliations of accounts are required. The Corporate account has significant volume involved.
• Monitor Duke Credit Union accounts with other financial institutions to ensure dividends are received and accurately recorded.
• Accurately maintain an environment of strong internal controls to minimize findings in NCUA and CPA Exams. Serve as a resource to departments on internal control matters.
• Ensure that Vendor invoices and Visa Business card statements are authorized and settled by due dates. Maintain records of departmental budget expenditures, informing appropriate staff members of financial status.
• Maintain interface with departmental personnel to obtain and provide information to verify or support financial records and ensure compliance with established Credit Union policies and procedures; prepare correspondence and answer inquiries regarding accounting information as required.
• Analyze financial information and prepare complex financial reports and statements reflecting various data for utilization by higher management.
• Calculate loan and share rates in accordance with Credit Union guidelines and update share rates and Prime rates in Epysis.
• Analyze the monthly Credit Disability/Life Savings premiums collected and confirm with Trustage the amounts to be settled.
• Record new First Mortgages, Participation Loans, Commercial Loans, and Student Loans in the Credit Unions’ General Ledger and ensure that subsequent loan payments are accurately recorded.
• Assist as needed in the Marketing and HR Departments.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Requirements

• Two years of post-secondary education in accounting or a related business field.
• Three years of experience in an accounting environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple financial processes and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills to partner with internal departments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience reconciling accounts and preparing financial reports.
• Experience working with general ledger systems and financial transactions (ACH, wires, etc.).
• Familiarity with GAAP principles and regulatory reporting requirements (IRS, NCDOR).
• Experience supporting audits or maintaining internal controls.

Benefits

Duke offers a supportive workplace culture along with comprehensive benefits, including:

• Comprehensive health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Professional development opportunities

Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Pay

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00 to USD $26.62 per hour. Duke considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.