Senior Accountant

Roberts Wesleyan University•Rochester, NY

17d

About The Position

Reporting to the University Controller, the Senior Accountant maintains the general ledger of the University. The Senior Accountant will accurately and timely classify and record revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities and net assets of the University in the with and without donor restricted categories, while also performing a reasonable level of transactional work in the purchase and payables areas. In addition, the Senior Accountant will handle other general accounting related matters of the University, as well as endowment operations, various data reporting requirements and assistance with the preparation of the annual audit, along with the monthly reporting package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Minimum 5 years of experience in related roles is required
Thorough working knowledge of GAAP accounting.
Strong understanding of computerized accounting systems, working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database computer applications
Strong analytic skills and focus on complete, accurate and timely deliverables
High attention to detail, with a strong controls focus
Collaborative and a team player
Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities, including project oriented coupled with transactional
Proactive, bias for action and issue resolution
Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Nice To Haves

CPA, MBA not required but preferred, as this role a potential succession plan to the Controller or other leadership roles at the University
Not-for-profit experience is preferred, though not required
Higher education experience preferred
Knowledge of tax law (not-for profit / higher education environment) helpful.
Experience tracking capital expenditures, fixed assets, and cash flows a plus, as the complexity in these areas continues to grow at Roberts
Budgeting, forecasting, and reporting also a plus, as this role a back-up for the Budget Manager and works closely to report on actuals vs budget vs the forecast
Forward and creative thinker who can cast a vision to reach ambitious goals, with excellence and integrity
Ability to advance ideas from plans to results
Sets an example for continual improvement
Persuasive advocate for departmental needs while successfully working cross-departmentally
Addresses and resolves problems and conflict promptly, in a God-honoring way
Makes and communicates difficult decisions firmly and graciously
Earns respect and establishes rapport with colleagues
Embraces diversity within the body of Christ

Responsibilities

Assist Controller and CFO in maintaining information systems and procedures necessary to maintain adequate fiscal controls, internal controls, and GAAP accounting compliance
Oversight of general ledger structure and reconciliation
Train finance and non-finance colleagues on relevant policies and procedures
Oversee month-end closing process to ensure its accuracy
Responsible for accuracy of general ledger structure and data
Supervise input of data in the general ledger, including data feeds, journal entries, Seminary allocations, payroll and benefit accounting, and so on
Maintain controls over the chart of accounts and capital projects
Assist with efficient processing of accounts payable, including department assistance with purchase orders, and resolution of issues between departments and vendors when necessary
Maintain and oversee departmental expenditure approval structure
Ensure accurate account distribution for accounts payable
Assist in review of monthly reporting and analysis of accounts receivable balances and bad debt reserve
Assist with the required data submissions (IPEDS, MSCHE, CIC, etc.)
Assistance with other financial reporting as requested
Analyze, review, document, and/or execute drawdowns from student aid programs as necessary
Oversee maintenance of endowment and charitable gift annuity records
Coordinate with Advancement and assist with the classification of donations and periodic release from restriction
Review (and ensure timely preparation of) cash and investment reconciliations
Assist Controller with cash flow monitoring and forecasting
Assist with preparation for successful and efficient external audits of the University, Seminary, Housing Development Foundation, Retirement Plan, NCAA procedures, charitable gift annuity portfolio, and others as required
Review Forms 990, Prepare forms 1099, sales tax and other tax compliance forms as required
Maintain current working knowledge of technical accounting and industry compliance and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance therewith
Maintain industry connections for collaboration and benchmarking
Assist with and consult on any ERP upgrade/implementations as needed, helping to craft and mold existing SOPs into new processes, reports, and system integration
Ensure all activities related to Finance meet Federal, State, Local and College standards
Other duties as assigned, including backup for the Staff Accountant and Cashier role