Senior Accountant, Disbursement Management

About the role

This position is responsible for overseeing the College's payroll and accounts payable operations while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of disbursement-related financial activities. Reporting to the Controller, this position supervises payroll and accounts payable staff, performs complex accounting and reconciliation functions, supports financial reporting, month-end and year-end close processes, and annual audit activities, and partners with departments across the College to promote efficient and effective financial operations. This position has been approved for a flexible work option arrangement. Flexible work options can be ended at any time by the College, Cabinet, and/or supervisors based on employee performance and/or as institutional needs change. A credit history check is required before starting on the first day. This posting will accept applications through Sunday, August 2nd.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Payroll (40%)

• Manage the College's payroll function, including participating in payroll processing as needed to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll operations.
• Supervise payroll staff by providing leadership, training, performance feedback, and oversight of daily operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and reporting requirements.
• Prepare payroll-related reconciliations, journal entries, tax reporting, and year-end processing, including Forms W-2.
• Serve as the College's primary resource for payroll-related questions, reporting, and compliance.
• Coordinate payroll activities with Human Resources and other campus departments.

Accounts Payable (35%)

• Oversee the College's accounts payable function, including vendor payments and Foundation disbursements.
• Supervise accounts payable staff while ensuring efficient workflow and strong internal controls.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls and compliance with College policies.
• Prepare accounts payable reconciliations, accruals, journal entries, and annual Form 1099 reporting.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Accounting & Financial Operations (25%)

• Perform general ledger reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end and year-end close activities.
• Prepare financial analyses, schedules, and reports in support of management decision-making.
• Support annual audits and other regulatory or financial reporting requirements.
• Assist in the development, documentation, and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting experience required; experience in payroll, human resources, and/or accounts payable is preferred.
• Previous supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, accounting software, Microsoft Office, and advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state payroll tax regulations and employment laws.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in higher education, governmental, or nonprofit accounting.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or similar ERP systems.

Core competencies

• Financial & Technical Expertise - Demonstrates strong accounting knowledge, sound judgment, and commitment to accuracy compliance, and internal controls.
• Leadership & Collaboration - Effectively supervises staff, builds productive working relationships, and partners across the College to achieve shared goals.
• Continuous Improvement - Identifies opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Accountability & Service - Delivers high-quality work with professionalism, responsiveness, integrity, and a commitment to excellent customer service.