Senior Accountant

About the role

The Senior Accountant will oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University’s property, plant and equipment, capital projects, leases, long-term and other debt, The Refectory restaurant accounting and reconcilement, and a variety of general accounting and financial functions.

Responsibilities

• Property Plant and Equipment (PP&E): Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University’s property, plant and equipment in accordance with GAAP. Review departmental purchases to identify those expenditures that should be capitalized in accordance with the University’s PP&E policy. Ensure that work-papers (electronic) are maintained for all assets created, especially PP&E purchases from government grant and other external funds. Ensure the physical tagging of assets is performed, either as part of the annual physical inventory or by the department. Maintain the accounting and detailed records of capital projects, noting those that are donor-funded. Work with the Facilities Management Office throughout the year to determine capitalization and timing of projects. Ensure accuracy of depreciation calculations, and the fixed asset system reconciles to the financial statements.

• Leases: Support the accounting related to the University’s leases in accordance with GAAP. Coordinate with external service providers to share new lease agreements, changes in existing leases (amendments), etc. for inclusion in lease accounting software. Book lease accounting entries and reconcile balances. Support the development of the year-end footnotes related to leases.

• Bonds: Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University’s long-term and other debt in accordance with GAAP. Reconcile the G/L to the third-party custodian statements, make required journal entries as necessary, book entries related to debt service, and coordinate the reimbursement and reconciliation of the Construction Fund (as applicable).

• Variety of month-end tasks and entries are to be performed timely and accurately related to areas of responsibility and other assigned balance sheet accounts. Perform specific tasks such as funding transfers, accruals, tax filings, and prepare financial analysis.

• Varying year-end tasks and entries related to areas of responsibility, and reconciliation and analysis of assigned accounts. Provide requested information to external auditors as assigned.

• Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University’s on-campus restaurant, The Refectory. Reconcile the related University-owned Refectory bank account and coordinate with the management company operating The Refectory.

• Develop and maintain customized financial reports to support operations and decision-making. Assist in testing upgrades and new accounting-related functionality, analyze system-related issues, and work with appropriate functional and technical staff on problem resolutions.

• Assist with training University-wide staff to understand available financial system functions, basic budget reporting, and transaction review. Provide support and field questions from other members of the University regarding the University’s ERP Finance system and Accounting functions.

• Prepare Federal tax forms 1042-S, with assistance from the Assistant Controller and Bursar. Provide data to third party service providers for review of accuracy and tax form preparation. Ensure tax payments are made accurately and in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Formal Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, with a major in accounting, finance, or business administration. CPA preferred but not required.

• Experience: 3 years of accounting experience, preferably in a university or similar environment; including in-depth knowledge of enterprise-wide accounting/administrative applications.

• Knowledge: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, especially in a not-for-profit higher education environment. Working knowledge of managerial accounting, reporting, and control. Knowledge of fund accounting concepts preferred. Experience with enterprise financial software (experience using Ellucian Banner is desirable). Experience with customized report writing.

• Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated aptitude in accounting, accuracy, and ability to work independently under general supervision. Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and effectively prioritize work in a deadline-driven environment. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) financial and technical information to diverse audiences with varying levels of financial understanding. Ability to establish and develop effective working relationships within a large, complex organization. Ability to adapt to new software and policy/procedure changes implemented to better manage job duties and time allocation.

• Equipment Knowledge: Standard office equipment, including PC and common software packages.