Accountant I - AP

Frederick, Maryland•Frederick, MD

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Controller, the Accountant provides general accounting support and is responsible for the Accounts Payable operation. The role assures the accuracy of accounting data, sufficiency of documentation, timely response to information requests, account analysis and reconciliation, reporting, and audit support. It involves varied duties with an emphasis on attention to detail, customer service, follow-through, and initiative. The position reviews and processes accounts payable documentation and payments, maintains vendor records, conducts accounting analyses and audit support, and collaborates with Student Receivables as needed. It also provides responsive service to students, colleagues, and external contacts. The candidate should value diversity, equity, and inclusion and work collaboratively in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered liberal arts institution.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting or business and one to two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate with partners across campus and in the Accounting Office.
Ability to respond calmly and professionally to difficult, stressful, or challenging interactions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and the Internet.
Ability to learn new applications quickly, including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to provide information and respond positively to internal and external customers in person and by phone, and to write routine reports and correspondence.
Proficiency with statistical and financial concepts and the ability to apply them to tracking, projections, goal setting, and report interpretation.
Ability to draw conclusions from reports and make cost-effective decisions regarding programs.
Ability to solve practical problems and work with concrete variables where limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group to develop and execute project plans.
Ability to work in the theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in GP Dynamics, Ellucian Colleague, and Power Campus.

Responsibilities

Review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate authorization.
Guide faculty, staff, and students on expense reimbursement policies, payment approvals, and required forms.
Record accounts payable data in the accounting system and reconcile the accounts payable aging report and general ledger weekly.
Select vendors for payment based on available cash and payment due dates, and submit the proposed vendor list to the Assistant Controller for review and approval.
Prepare, process, and distribute accounts payable checks.
Research and analyze vendor accounts as required.
Manage the processing and issuance of 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms.
Maintain complete, accurate, and readily retrievable vendor files.
Prepare account analyses and audit schedules, including analyses of advances, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, and accounts payable miscellaneous.
Recommend and assist in developing procedures for the Accounting Office and the College.
Assist the Student Accounts Accountant with responses to audit requests concerning the student billing system.
Collaborate and coordinate with the Student Receivables Manager to provide support as necessary.
Communicate and interact professionally with colleagues across departments and with students.
Arrange and prepare documents for storage and shredding as needed.
Prepare correspondence, file folders, binders, and mailings as needed.
Respond to internal and external inquiries about charges and payment policies and procedures, referring concerns to the appropriate office or individual.