Accountant

Job Summary

The accountant is responsible for providing timely and accurate financial information and analysis to support both internal and external reporting. We are seeking an experienced detail oriented individual to be primarily responsible for fixed assets and grants and to assist with the monthly close process, account reconciliations, journal entries, and other general accounting duties for the University. The incumbent will report to the Assistant Controller. The incumbent collaborates very closely with other accountants and primarily the internal customers within the University.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage the fixed asset records and updates the Ellucian (Colleague) Fixed Asset software for additions and disposals each month and reconciles construction-progress to determine items to be capitalized and items to be expensed.
• Calculate depreciation expense month and prepare journal entry.
• Performs accounting functions related to grants and contracts, including monitoring and approving expenditures, preparing invoices, and ensuring all accounting activity complies with the sponsor's policies and procedures.
• Review and prepare sales tax return and corresponding journal entries monthly.
• Assist with month-end close activities including the preparation of journal entries.
• Prepare and review reconciliations of accounts and sub-ledgers, as well as analyze balances and research discrepancies in financial data as they relate to the assigned areas of responsibilities.
• Prepare special financial reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information and trends.
• Review and record bond investment activity, accruals, issuance cost and premium amortization monthly and record semi/annual debt service payments.
• Prepare new lease amortization schedules and initial journal entry to record leases at inception and subsequent entries in accordance with ASC 842 and maintains inventory schedule for operating and finance leases.
• Assist with annual audits, including all requirements necessary for non-profit higher education reporting, including, but not limited to annual reconciliations, roll-forwards, lead schedules, footnotes, and financial statement analysis and financial responsibility composite score.
• Collaborate with Assistant Controller to identify areas to improve workflow processes, improve documentation, and implement improvements.
• Assist with creating and updating the accounting and finance procedures in compliance with FASB and GAAP.
• Cross-train with colleagues to gain and exchange experience of department functions.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks.
• Complete other projects and duties as deemed necessary by management.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Detail oriented and strong analytical ability.
• Effective time management and organization skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and projects, mobilize efforts toward completion; deliver with a high degree of quality, error free, on a consistent basis.
• Proficient with accounting information systems and Microsoft Office products, Word, and Outlook and specific proficiency in advanced Excel functions.
• Knowledge of Synoptyx and/or other financial reporting tools.
• Ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to understand and work with the complexities of higher education.

Education, Certificates, Licenses, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting (preferred), or related field with a minimum of 2 years of related work experience; or a minimum of 7 years of experience in accounting/financial bookkeeping.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office environment with extensive use of computer and telephone.
• Ability to lift and carry up to twenty pounds; ability to read, write, handle and process paper documents.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Vision sufficient to read written communications and computer display screens.
Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.

Important Note:

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position.

The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.