What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant Specialist position at ST LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY?
Job Overview
ST LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY invites applications for a Staff Accountant. Reporting to the Controller, this role will apply accounting principles to complete daily, monthly, and yearly accounting tasks to support the Business Office in producing accurate and complete financial reports.
Main Responsibilities:
- Prepare, process, and analyze monthly and year-end accounting entries for assigned areas of responsibility, such as auxiliary operations, foreign programs, and fixed assets.
- Perform bank reconciliations.
- Reconcile and analyze general ledger accounts, creating and posting accounting entries as required.
- Administer non-student accounts receivable or loans receivable, including billing and collection functions.
- Provide backup for payroll manager during vacation or other absence periods.
- Review agency account balances, perform analysis on overspent accounts, and communicate with departmental staff to bring accounts into balance.
- Work collaboratively with other departments across campus to ensure GAAP Compliance.
- Prepare annual IRS tax reporting statements and be knowledgeable of reporting rules to ensure compliance.
- Assist in the fiscal year-end close process and related audit workpaper preparation.
Key Qualifications
This position requires a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with 2 years of experience. Proficiency in Excel is necessary, and the ability to maintain discretion when working with highly sensitive and confidential information is essential.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Work experience in higher education and/or non-profits.
- Knowledge of payroll policies and basic understanding of state and federal employment laws.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and decision making within assigned authority.
- Strong prioritization skills to consistently meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to use financial systems and information.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft software, particularly Excel.
