Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager, PPM

Baylor University•Waco, TX

About The Position

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities. Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “ Great Colleges to Work For ”. Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career. What We are Looking For To support the University’s mission by ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting and accounting operations. This role is responsible for recording, reviewing, analyzing, and reconciling financial transactions in accordance with GAAP and University policies and external regulatory guidance. This position serves as a key accounting resource providing guidance to departments and contributing to process improvements, month-end, and year-end close, and financial reporting activities and is responsible for supporting the development and maintaining compliant solutions for the University’s sponsored projects. A bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience are required. A master's degree is preferred. A CPA is required for the Accounting Manager level. The University reserves the discretion to hire at either level role. Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree
Five years of relevant experience
Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree is preferred.
A CPA is required for the Accounting Manager level.

Responsibilities

Coordinates the monthly Project Portfolio Management (PPM) subledger close process and ensures accurate and timely integration with the General Ledger
Monitors and reconciles sponsored programs and faculty fund subledger activity to the General Ledger, ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of financial data
Performs detailed reconciliations of assigned balance sheet accounts related to sponsored programs and faculty funds
Researches discrepancies, coordinates corrective actions, and collaborates with stakeholders to resolve accounting issues affecting financial reporting and General Ledger accuracy
Prepares and analyzes financial reports, supporting schedules, and accounting documentation related to sponsored programs and faculty fund activities
Supports the preparation and submission of the University's Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Cost Rate Proposal and Fringe Benefit Rate Proposal, including compiling financial data, performing analyses, preparing supporting schedules, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal requirements and cost allocation methodologies
Performs financial and variance analysis to support financial stewardship, strategic decision-making, and institutional reporting objectives
Supports month-end and year-end close activities through financial review and account analysis
Manages accounting oversight of sponsored programs, grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and faculty fund projects within the Oracle Project Portfolio Management (PPM) system
Reviews project and award structures established by campus partners to ensure financial activity is properly recorded, classified, and reported within the University's financial systems
Evaluates project setup, funding structures, and accounting attributes to ensure transactions are accurately reflected in the General Ledger and comply with GAAP, University policies, and financial reporting requirements
Serves as a subject matter expert for sponsored programs and faculty fund accounting within PPM
Maintains current knowledge of GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), sponsor regulations, and University policies impacting sponsored programs accounting
Reviews financial transactions, project activity, and accounting processes to ensure adherence to accounting standards, internal controls, and institutional requirements
Evaluates financial processes and identifies opportunities to strengthen controls, mitigate risk, and improve operational effectiveness
Coordinates audit support activities, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to inquiries from auditors and regulatory agencies
Provides consultative support to business officers, financial managers, and financial administrators
Participates in process improvement initiatives, system enhancement efforts, and cross-functional projects to improve financial operations and reporting effectiveness
Attends and facilitates meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities to maintain technical expertise
Leads or contributes to special projects and performs additional duties in support of Compliance Services, the Controller's Office, and the University's mission
Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
Ability to comply with University policies
Maintain regular and punctual attendance