Senior Accountant

Job Summary:

Perform professional and technical level accounting work involving preparation and maintenance of financial reports, accounting records, and statistical records and reports; and provide responsible technical staff assistance to higher level department staff. The Senior Accountant exercises independent judgment and discretion in planning and carrying out the details of work procedures and methods.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform professional and technical accounting duties in the preparation, maintenance and review of financial records and reports.
• Perform all accounting and reporting related to fixed assets capitalization, depreciation, and retirement as necessary and create journal entries derived from these activities.
• Perform all accounting and reporting related to debt service and ensure debt service payments are made timely.
• Perform all accounting and reporting related to the University's designated and restricted accounts, to include regular communication concerning available balances, compliance with donor restrictions, or overspent accounts.
• Prepare, review and verify the accuracy of journal entries, trial balances and reconciliations related to assigned area of responsibility.
• Interpret and analyze financial operations and transactions, forecast trends, and develop special complex reports and analyses for management.
• Calculate and code journal entries to make account adjustments; reconcile accounts in the general ledger.
• Research and resolve specific problems in the preparation of reports, ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Reconcile and balance assigned accounts and funds against the general ledger.
• Produce monthly management reports utilizing accounting system.
• Work with and assist accounts receivable and accounts payable departments as required.
• Stays current with computer technologies and regularly seeks to implement process improvements through available technologies
• Contributes to the overall success of the department and University by performing all other duties and responsibilities assigned, maintaining high levels of accuracy, maintaining a professional demeanor and appropriate levels of confidentiality, and providing excellent customer service.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance or equivalent.  Masters preferred. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in accounting, business planning/operations, or financial analysis is required.
• C.P.A. or C.P.A. Candidate preferred.
• Ellucian Colleague software experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, GAAP and nonprofit accounting.
• Demonstrated competence in the areas of critical thinking, interpersonal relationships, and technical skills.
• Intermediate knowledge of applicable federal, state and local policies, procedures, rules and regulations; laws, rules and regulations pertaining to assigned area of responsibility.
• Ability to compose clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn quickly, the financial structure and financial procedures of the University.
• Advanced Proficiency in Excel and the ability to quickly learn report writing software applications, such as Ellucian Insights and Power BI.
• Ability to analyze data and draw sound conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, both orally and written.
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities and organize and plan work to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information and situations.