Capital Construction Accountant

About JMU

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that creates an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way. Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment.

About the Role

To support James Madison University and the Finance Department objectives of efficient use of resources through prudent fiscal stewardship. Specifically, to support the activities of Capital, Debt and Indirect Cost Accounting. This includes the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports, schedules, working papers and journal entries, ensuring accuracy and integrity of data in capital construction, lease and indirect cost accounting while interpreting and complying with university and state policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes financial transactions for capital construction and non-capital Facilities Management projects.
• Verifies that capital project budgets, allotments and cash are sufficient to process expenditures.
• Ensures that capital project invoices are coded and charged appropriately.
• Reconciles PeopleSoft general ledger to the state accounting system (Cardinal).
• Researches, compiles and prepares financial statement work papers and schedules.
• Manages and reconciles cash balances for bond proceeds and other funding sources.
• Prepares bond reimbursement requisitions for submission to appropriate entities.
• Monitors loans to capital projects.
• Monitors bond proceeds spending to ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Performs accounting activities and maintain schedules related to capital leases.
• Prepares operating lease spreadsheets/databases for real estate leases to ensure data is properly classified, recorded and disclosed.
• Performs financial analysis for preparation of the Federal and State Auxiliary Indirect Cost Proposals.
• Assists with preparation of annual reports including IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), NSF (National Science Foundation) survey and SCHEV (State Council of Higher Education for Virginia) research expenses.
• Conducts monthly departmental compliance reviews by performing risk assessments, maintaining internal control documentation and implementing corrective action plans to ensure compliance.
• Performs monthly JMU Foundation and local department billings.
• Processes JMU Foundation deposits monthly.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts, principles and application, specifically capital asset accounting.
• Advanced skills in using computer applications including spreadsheet (like Microsoft Excel), database (like PeopleSoft or Oracle) and word processing (like Microsoft Word) applications.
• Ability to work independently with excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, both internal and external.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate with students, faculty and staff regarding accounting policies.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Generous paid leave (vacation, sick, parental, community service, and 19 paid holidays annually).
• Comprehensive health insurance options.
• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee wellness program (Balanced Dukes) with resources, events, and support for work-life integration.
• Tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses at JMU.

Pay

$60,000 - $62,446 per year.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. New hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.