Senior Accountant, Accruals & Expenses

Howard University•Washington, DC

11d•$105,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness JOB PURPOSE: The Senior Accountant, Accruals & Expenses, plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of Howard University’s expense related financial activities. This position is responsible for reviewing the accounting worktags on invoices, requisitions and other spending; preparing monthly expense accrual entries; analyzing prepaid expenses, expense activity, and reconciling the related general ledger accounts. The Senior Associate partners with Procurement, Accounts Payable, Capital Projects, Budgets and departmental administrators to ensure that expenses are properly recorded in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), University policy, and internal control standards.This role requires strong analytical capabilities, excellent problem-solving skills, sound accounting judgment, and the ability to interpret contracts and operational data to determine proper accounting treatment. The Senior Accountant will also support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close and audit processes.

Requirements

Strong understanding of GAAP (including accrual accounting and expense recognition)
Experience with expense accounting, accruals, reconciliations, and monthly close processes
Proficiency with ERP systems (Workday is a plus)
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (vlookups, pivot tables, data analysis, macros)
Exceptional analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Minimum 4–6 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a complex
Experience with accounting for accruals and expenses
Workday or large ERP system experience strongly preferred.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

Review the accounting worktags on new invoices, requisitions and other spending to ensure accurate accounting classification and adequate supporting documentation
Prepare monthly accrual entries across administrative and academic units, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP and University guidelines
Maintain detailed accrual schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation
Analyze expense trends and variances, propose journal entries, and ensure completeness and accuracy of liabilities
Assist with expense-related budget vs. actual reviews for the Controller’s Office and institutional departmentsPrepaid Expense Accounting
Prepare and record prepaid expenses and monthly amortization schedules
Maintain and reconcile prepaid expense ledgers for accuracy and completeness
Ensure prepaid transactions comply with the University's capitalization and expense recognition policies General Ledger & Monthly Close
Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, roll-forward schedules, and supporting analytics for monthly close
Perform account analyses to identify errors, omissions, or inconsistencies, recommending corrective actions where needed
Support the preparation of quarterly and annual financial reporting focused on accruals, expenses, and liabilities (i.e. variance analysis)
Assist with expense recognition assessments, ensuring appropriate accounting treatment Contract & Policy Review
Review contracts, agreements, purchase orders, and vendor documentation to interpret accounting implications
Conduct accounting research and prepare clear, concise technical memos documenting decisions in accordance with GAAP/FASB
Ensure adherence to university accounting policies, procurement policies, and applicable regulatory requirements Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit Support
Ensure accuracy, proper approvals, documentation, and compliance across all expense-related transactions
Support internal and external audit requests by preparing reconciliations, schedules, and explanations
Help identify gaps in internal controls and suggest improvements to enhance financial accuracy and efficiency Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support
Partner with Accounts Payable, Procurement, Capital Projects, Budget, and operational departments to support efficient financial processes
When needed, provide guidance to departments on proper accounting practices, expense classification, and policy interpretation
Assist the Accounting Manager and Assistant Director with special analyses, process improvements, and system initiatives (including Workday enhancements)
Perform critical self-review of work to ensure high quality and accuracy
Support various special projects and other responsibilities as assigned by management