Accountant

Aquinas College • East Grand Rapids, MI

21d

About The Position

The Accountant supports the activities of the Business Office with a primary focus on payroll administration and related accounting functions. This position is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, benefit reconciliations, and financial reporting. The role contributes to the monthly and annual accounting cycles, assists with audits and compliance reporting, and supports budget monitoring and grant reporting. The Accountant also serves as a backup for accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, helping to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient financial operations across the College.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required.
• Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and payroll, or a combination of education and experience commensurate with position requirements.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, payroll tax compliance, and benefit accounting.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in financial recordkeeping.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ADP and/or Ellucian Colleague preferred; experience with other payroll or ERP systems accepted.

Responsibilities

• Process biweekly and monthly payrolls accurately and on schedule.
• Process payroll corrections and tax adjustments.
• Generate and distribute payroll reports as needed.
• Reconcile benefit invoices with payroll records.
• Maintain and update compensation projections.
• Prepare documentation for the annual worker’s compensation audit.
• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations, including contributions, pledges, balance sheet accounts, bank accounts, and investment statements.
• Lead the month-end close process to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare the monthly sales tax return.
• Assist with 1099 and 990 reporting.
• Assist with the year-end financial statement audit and closing process.
• Support the annual budgeting process and monitor budgets throughout the year.
• Monitor and report on federal, state, and private grant activity.
• Prepare unclaimed property filings in accordance with state requirements.
• Maintain budget manager access within the College’s financial systems.
• Ensure compliance with institutional credit card policies.
• Serve as backup for accounts payable and accounts receivable processing.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Business Office and College operations.

Benefits

• Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year, 16 paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees