What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Saint Augustine’s University?
Job Description
The Staff Accountant is responsible for completing and reviewing accounting functions associated with the general ledger, budgets, and operational analysis. This position ensures accurate information is recorded for the preparation of all internal and external reporting. In addition, the Staff Accountant supports the financial compliance of all grant awards and sponsored projects. The selected candidate will be integral to establishing, monitoring, and communicating the policies and procedures to ensure efficient operations and proper controls over financial transactions, including but not limited to all grant transactions. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES : Responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate monthly close of the financial ledger Performs and or reviews timely and accurate general ledger reconciliations Ensures internal controls and policies are followed Serves as a lead in the fiscal year end closing and annual audit procedures Assists in the preparation of the annual 990 tax returns and other required filings Responsible for all investment accounting for the endowment and trust funds; including maintaining the unionization and cost/market value of all the various endowed funds. Reconciles direct loan and other federal/state accounts to determine the availability to draw down funds as compliant with federal cash management rules and regulations Monitors use and set up for various restricted accounts Serves as the lead in testing or implementing system (Banner) upgrades and changes Provides support/guidance for various staff within the accounting office as needed. Assists in bringing awareness to financial policies of the University and external sources for compliance purposes Coordinates with the Grants Office and other grant writers in the budget development process, including conducting a final review of proposal budgets prior to approval and submission Follows through with key constituents on awarded projects throughout the life of the grant, including but not limited to; creation within the chart of accounts, recording and approval of grant transactions, effort certification, invoicing and electronic cash receipts, ongoing communication, and meeting with others to monitor and forecast financial activity, and close out grants Supports compliance with all federal state and other agency regulations in the financial accounting of grants Maintains the financial records for examinations by auditors, sponsors, and management Analyzes the general ledger accounts to ensure accurate recording of financial transactions and timely reconciliations, including the investigation of variances, communication of findings and development of effective monitoring guidelines and assistance to internal departments to ensure proper accounting Special projects and other accounting functions as assigned Saint Augustine’s University ( SAU ), drawing on its rich legacy as an access institution, is a student-focused, comprehensive educational institution that produces outstanding graduates prepared for personal and professional success. SAU was established in 1867 in Raleigh, NC by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. A four-year liberal arts university with an average enrollment of approximately 1,000, SAU sits on 105 lush acres just north of Downtown Raleigh, NC. The institution offers more than 20 undergraduate degrees and a Master of Public Administration ( MPA ) Program and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). Additional Information: Employment is contingent upon a positive background check and proof of COVID -19 vaccination. Documentation of medical and religious exemptions will be accommodated. Official transcript is required upon acceptance of the position.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting. 5 years of relevant experience. Proficient in the use of automated general ledger systems and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Excel and Word. Data report writing experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in higher education or not-for-profit with experience in grant accounting. Experience with Banner Finance/Ellucian or other ERP systems.
The Staff Accountant is responsible for completing and reviewing accounting functions associated with the general ledger, budgets, and operational analysis. This position ensures accurate information is recorded for the preparation of all internal and external reporting. In addition, the Staff Accountant supports the financial compliance of all grant awards and sponsored projects. The selected candidate will be integral to establishing, monitoring, and communicating the policies and procedures to ensure efficient operations and proper controls over financial transactions, including but not limited to all grant transactions. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES : Responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate monthly close of the financial ledger Performs and or reviews timely and accurate general ledger reconciliations Ensures internal controls and policies are followed Serves as a lead in the fiscal year end closing and annual audit procedures Assists in the preparation of the annual 990 tax returns and other required filings Responsible for all investment accounting for the endowment and trust funds; including maintaining the unionization and cost/market value of all the various endowed funds. Reconciles direct loan and other federal/state accounts to determine the availability to draw down funds as compliant with federal cash management rules and regulations Monitors use and set up for various restricted accounts Serves as the lead in testing or implementing system (Banner) upgrades and changes Provides support/guidance for various staff within the accounting office as needed. Assists in bringing awareness to financial policies of the University and external sources for compliance purposes Coordinates with the Grants Office and other grant writers in the budget development process, including conducting a final review of proposal budgets prior to approval and submission Follows through with key constituents on awarded projects throughout the life of the grant, including but not limited to; creation within the chart of accounts, recording and approval of grant transactions, effort certification, invoicing and electronic cash receipts, ongoing communication, and meeting with others to monitor and forecast financial activity, and close out grants Supports compliance with all federal state and other agency regulations in the financial accounting of grants Maintains the financial records for examinations by auditors, sponsors, and management Analyzes the general ledger accounts to ensure accurate recording of financial transactions and timely reconciliations, including the investigation of variances, communication of findings and development of effective monitoring guidelines and assistance to internal departments to ensure proper accounting Special projects and other accounting functions as assigned Saint Augustine’s University ( SAU ), drawing on its rich legacy as an access institution, is a student-focused, comprehensive educational institution that produces outstanding graduates prepared for personal and professional success. SAU was established in 1867 in Raleigh, NC by the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. A four-year liberal arts university with an average enrollment of approximately 1,000, SAU sits on 105 lush acres just north of Downtown Raleigh, NC. The institution offers more than 20 undergraduate degrees and a Master of Public Administration ( MPA ) Program and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). Additional Information: Employment is contingent upon a positive background check and proof of COVID -19 vaccination. Documentation of medical and religious exemptions will be accommodated. Official transcript is required upon acceptance of the position.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting. 5 years of relevant experience. Proficient in the use of automated general ledger systems and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Excel and Word. Data report writing experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in higher education or not-for-profit with experience in grant accounting. Experience with Banner Finance/Ellucian or other ERP systems.
