Senior Accountant

The Senior Accountant provides financial reporting, monthly closing, project accounting, budget management, account reconciliation, fixed asset accounting, endowment accounting, grant accounting, and internal controls support to the University.
This position is responsible for accounting functions necessary for the production of timely and accurate financial reporting to governmental regulatory agencies, departments, external auditors and senior management.
This position performs complex business assignments to include, systems implementations, special projects, financial accounting and analysis, business process evaluations, multi-year forecasting modules, financial internal control procedures and compliance assessments.
In addition, this position is responsible for internal financial controls and required compliance reviews for the University.
QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Experience and Training: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with five or more years experience preferably in higher education or the non-profit field.
CPA certification or MSA in accountancy and/or additional experience is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Ability: Knowledge of accounting systems and general accounting principles, GAAP and FASB pronouncements, U.
S.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance - formerly A-133), Department of Education Title IV and other Federal and State loan programs, and tax guidelines related to administering the payroll function and the University’s tax reporting requirements (990).
Knowledge and ability to utilize the Internet, Microsoft Office software, E-procurement system, paperless imaging software, budget to actual program, and Ellucian (Colleague) software or a similar higher education software package.
Knowledge of general ledger setup and maintenance, accounts payable, purchasing procedures, cash receipt processing, fixed assets, contributions and pledges receivable.
Knowledge of UPMIFA for assistance in administration of the endowment.
Knowledge of DOL rules and regulations for the University’s Retirement Plan monitoring and compliance.
Analytical and problem solving skills.
Effective communication skills and ability to work both independently and as a team.
Strong organizational and time management skills including the ability to multi-task, prioritize competing work responsibilities and meet deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with internal and external personnel.
Ability to work confidently and competently under tight deadlines.
Ability to quickly analyze situations, consider alternatives, and take appropriate course of action.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Establish and maintain systems and controls which verify the integrity of all systems, processes and data, and enhance the University’s value, includes developing standard operating procedures for accounting.
Assist in establishing and maintaining accounting procedures compatible with the Ellucian (Colleague) System to ensure all financial reports conform to generally accepted accounting standards but also are able to be accounted for by fund for internal accounting purposes.
Assist in the monthly reconciliations and annual financial closings, the related monthly financial reports, and Audited Financial Statements.
Act as departmental liaison to various departments including the Offices of Student Accounts, Financial Planning, Human Resources, Institutional Advancement, Research Administration & Sponsored Programs, and the Athletics Department.
Responsible for the monitoring of fixed assets on a daily basis and reconciliation on a quarterly basis.
Assist the Manager of Financial Accounting (MFA) with cash management and short-term investments in accordance with University policy.
Report monthly balances and projected cash flow to the MFA and Vice President for Financial Affairs (VPFA).
Assist in monitoring endowment deposits, making transfers to the Endowment Investment Managers on a timely basis, and coordination of periodic performance reports.
Assist in the coordination of and work paper preparation for the annual financial aid Uniform Guidance Report.
Provide the Financial Planning and Institutional Advancement offices with annual restricted scholarship award levels.
Assist in the completion of all required financial statements or reports requested by federal, state, educational, institutional, or other agencies.
Coordinate the year-end audit with liaison departments and prepare all year-ending work papers for designated responsibility areas as requested by the external auditors on the itemized prepared by client (PBC) list.
Perform internal audit procedures on the 403(b) Plans to ensure compliance to DOL rules.
Prepare monthly sales tax reports and request sales tax refunds from NC Department of Revenue as needed.
Perform monthly audits of the travel card program which is administered within the office.
Ad hoc reporting as needed for departments or executive management.
Perform other projects as the MFA and VPFA may assign.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct reports.
ACCOUNTABILITY: As delegated by the Business Office policies and procedures, the incumbent directs daily activities related to the monthly and year-end financial closings, in order for the financial statements to reflect accurately the results of the monthly and annual financial operations of the University.
The incumbent works closely with the MFA and VPFA to ensure compliance with University policy and with all federal and state regulations and laws.
There are two senior accountants in the department, this job description is split between those two positions and the positions are cross-trained to cover one another during absences.
CONTACT INFORMATION: For more information about this position, please contact Brian Shollenberger, Director of Accounting at bshollen@highpoint.
edu