Senior Budget Accountant

OLIVET COLLEGE•Olivet, MI

3d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with a dotted line to the Accounting Manager, the Senior Budget Accountant coordinates the University’s budget development, variance analysis, financial planning, and reporting processes. The role supports institutional budgeting, financial performance monitoring, and leadership decision-making through data-driven financial analysis. It also performs reconciliations as part of the month-end close and works closely with the Accounting Manager and Business Office team to align budgets, financial reporting, and institutional financial strategy. The Senior Budget Accountant partners with department leaders across the University to support financial planning, monitor departmental spending, and steward institutional resources. The position assists the CFO with annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and financial reports for executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in budgeting, financial planning, accounting, or financial analysis.
Strong knowledge of budgeting methodology and processes.
Deep understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial statements.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
Ability to analyze complex financial data and present findings clearly.
Understanding of fund accounting and endowments.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and cross-functional teams.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience with institutional budgeting, financial modeling, or financial reporting systems.
Higher education budgeting or nonprofit financial management experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with coordination, development, and systems implementation of the University’s annual operating and capital budgeting processes.
Collaborate with departmental leaders on budget projections and financial planning.
Help University personnel understand budget policies and financial procedures.
Monitor departmental budgets, perform budget-to-actual variance analysis, identify significant variances, and follow up on overspending and unusual expenses.
Work with Budget Managers on budget questions, revisions, and variances.
Monitor capital budgets and expenses in alignment with the capital plan.
Write periodic narratives in response to budget-to-actual variance analysis.
Maintain institutional budget documentation, financial assumptions, and supporting schedules.
Assist the CFO in preparing financial presentations for executive leadership, the Board of Trustees, and standing committees.
Work with the Accounting Manager to align financial reporting and budget reporting.
Maintain and improve budget processes, internal controls, and financial planning procedures.
Reconcile bank accounts during month-end close and submit completed reconciliations to the Accounting Manager for review.
Monitor debt service responsibilities, including payments, contracts, and amortization schedules.
Assist the CFO with monitoring cash position against forecast outflows to identify potential liquidity shortfalls.
Review payroll journal entries against payroll reports for accuracy and approve them for system recordation.
Compare payroll expense against approved budgets and appropriate labor distribution, including fringe calculations.
Remit TIAA remission as part of payroll processes.
Manage the purchase card program, including issuance, cancellation, limit control, and monitoring individual use for compliance.
Assist with annual financial and compliance audits.
Maintain documentation supporting institutional financial planning and audit readiness.
Collaborate with the Business Office to improve financial reporting tools and data transparency.
Perform additional tasks and duties as assigned by the CFO.