SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant is responsible for ensuring that all College finance accounts, including account maintenance, transaction processing, and reporting, are accurate, timely, and compliant with institutional, TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents), federal, and state regulations, policies, and guidelines. This role executes and audits complex accounting transactions using advanced technology to provide professional financial services in support of the College’s operations.

Minimum Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in any combination of:
• Making sure the College’s general ledger is accurate and follows rules and regulations.
• Preparing and checking documents like journal vouchers and bank statements.
• Maintaining records of capital assets and making sure they are up-to-date.
• Analyzing budgets and helping plan budgets for different departments.

Essential Job Functions

• Monitors the College’s general ledger to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Prepares journal vouchers and prepares bank reconciliations for review and approval by the Director of Accounting Services.
• Completes month-end close, quarterly reviews, and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Aids in the preparation of accurate and timely annual and ad hoc financial reports.
• Supports the preparation of financial statements and other reports to ensure compliance with GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board), AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), and federal and state reporting requirements.
• Aids the Director of Accounting Services in responding to requests from internal and external auditors and monitors accounting systems to ensure proper internal controls, accuracy of financial information, and correct account classifications.
• Serves as a liaison with other College departments, addressing questions and resolving accounting issues effectively.
• Oversees tasks completed by department interns, ensuring accurate and timely execution of finance activities.
• Reviews and maintains the annual inventory of capital assets and identifies updates required for capitalized asset records.
• Prepares journal entries to support annual fixed asset reporting for financial statements and note disclosures.
• Ensures compliance with institutional, TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents), and accounting standards related to capital asset management.
• Aids with variance analysis of budget versus actual results for College departments and supports department managers by providing financial insights to inform budget planning and decision-making.
• Ensures budgetary reporting aligns with institutional policies and financial guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills And Responsibilities

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Suite for reporting, tracking, and documentation.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of college and university accounting, budgeting, and NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) standards to ensure accurate financial management.
• Prepare and review financial reports in compliance with GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board), AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents), and State of Tennessee requirements.
• Interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations to maintain compliance in all financial operations.
• Learn, implement, and utilize new hardware and software systems effectively to support accounting and financial processes.
• Analyze financial data and inquiries, identify trends or discrepancies, apply critical thinking to evaluate options, and make informed decisions that support the College’s financial operations and strategic objectives.
• Organize and manage multiple tasks efficiently to meet deadlines and ensure accurate reporting.
• Work independently and collaboratively with team members to achieve departmental goals.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate financial information clearly and effectively in both written and oral formats.
• Identify customer needs and deliver high-quality, responsive financial and accounting services.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act), FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and institutional policies.

Preferred Experience

• Accounting or auditing in higher education or government settings.
• Familiarity with TBR institutions and standardized accounting practices.
• Experience using ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or financial management systems.