Senior Accountant, Operations

Barnard College•New York City, NY

16d•$84,000 - $87,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Accountant – Operations plays a critical role in maintaining the financial integrity of various college operations. This role is responsible for managing specialized accounting functions including fixed assets, planned giving, property and lease accounting, federal work-study billing, inventory, tax reporting, and general ledger analysis. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work across multiple operational areas with a high degree of accuracy and independence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in higher education or non-profit environment.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and highly skilled Accountant.
Proficient in ERP systems (Workday, Oracle, etc.); Microsoft Excel; Google Suite & financial reporting tools.
Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
Commitment to the values and mission of higher education.
Hybrid subject to departmental requirements.
Must be able to meet critical deadlines, particularly during monthly and year-end close periods.
Occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary during peak periods (e.g., fiscal year-end, audit season).

Responsibilities

Fixed Assets & Capitalization Review capital expenditures monthly and determine eligibility for capitalization under College policy.
Maintain detailed fixed asset schedules.
Validate system-generated capitalization and depreciation entries.
Ensure capital projects are accurately segregated and coded.
Prepare the annual fixed asset footnote for the College’s audited financial statements.
Review monthly statements for split interest investments managed by State Street.
Prepare monthly journal entries for investment activity and gift terminations.
Record year-end net present value adjustments based on State Street’s calculations.
Maintain a current property listing and track lease agreements as both lessor and lessee.
Ensure timely and accurate recognition of rental income and expenses.
Monitor and maintain schedules for rental revenue, related expenses, tenant loans, and security deposits.
Assist with filings for property tax exemptions and TC201 submissions.
Maintain updated schedule of leases (lessor/Lessee); amendments and payment schedules.
Prepare and reconcile payroll and benefit liability accounts monthly.
Complete quarterly 941 reconciliation
Maintain schedule of fringe benefit expenses and monitor benefit costs.
Generate and distribute Work-Study invoices for external agencies.
Monitor receivables and ensure timely revenue recognition.
Prepare and post all related journal entries.
Track taxable sales and file the New York State & Local Sales and Use Tax Return (Form ST-100) quarterly.
Maintain accurate inventory schedules for the College store and other operational properties.
Perform independent vendor verification for banking information.
Maintain documentation for verification procedures as part of internal controls.
Assist in preparation of schedules for audits and filings for the College as assigned by Supervisor.
Continuously monitor and assess ERP system capabilities to identify opportunities for improving financial operations, reporting accuracy, and process automation.
Utilize ERP functionalities proactively to streamline accounting workflows, reduce manual intervention, and strengthen internal control mechanisms.
Collaborate with Finance Systems and cross-functional teams to recommend and implement system enhancements that increase efficiency, support compliance, and ensure data integrity across financial processes.
Actively participate in cross-functional collaborations and knowledge sharing within the Finance team.
Assist with audit preparations and various reporting requirements as assigned.
Troubleshoot financial discrepancies; escalate concerns and recommend solutions.
Provide backup coverage across Finance functions and participate in cross-training initiatives.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Controller; Controller or senior leadership.