Staff Accountant

Georgetown University•Washington, DC

7d•$47,586 - $87,558•Hybrid

About The Position

The General Accounting Office (GAO), in the University’s Office of the CFO (OCFO), is responsible for the integrity of the University's financial records and systems. GAO ensures that the transactions entered into the University's General Ledger adhere to both the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the accounting policies of the University. The General Accounting Office promotes the efficient use and stewardship of University resources in compliance with laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, utilizing their technical, financial, and analytical expertise in accounting knowledge. Reporting to the Director of Campus Accounting, the Accountant assists with the effective and efficient review and processing of general ledger transactions for the assigned unit. This position works under tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities, including general ledger review, month-end close activities, and special projects. This position requires expert accounting skills and judgment. The position must develop an atmosphere of teamwork with School faculty, staff, other departments, and OCFO leadership. Additionally, the role will demonstrate excellent customer service to assigned schools and admin units. This position provides a growth path to Senior Accountant. Additional duties include, but are not limited to: Financial reporting, assuring compliance with internal accounting controls, and verification of the account activity and account balance every month for the assigned unit(s). Ensuring that assigned general ledger accounts are fully reconciled on a monthly or quarterly basis and preparing adjusting journal entries when required. Preparing support and documentation for monthly closing entries. Monitoring unit-based fund accounting and assuring compliance for utilization of temporarily restricted (TR) funds. Complete requested Payroll Accounting Adjustments and Deposit Tickets for assigned unit(s) when requested. Participate in user acceptance training for Workday financial system updates.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
2-3 years progressive experience in financial accounting and reporting
Ability to understand the University’s cost center hierarchy, chart of accounts, and budgeted accounts to allocate expenses.
Strong Excel and general data analysis skills required (analyzing instances to identify errors, challenges, etc. and areas for process improvements), including ability to initiate, review, track, and monitor financial transactions/requests through to completion.
Ability to run and utilize financial system reports for financial management purposes
Professional demeanor, communications, and ability to provide exceptional customer service
Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to triage and escalate complex issues to team lead, supervisors, or appropriate School contacts.
Great attention to detail.
Service oriented, professional demeanor and team orientation is required
Ability to think outside the box and solve problems creatively.
Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize work and multi-task to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a complex higher educational institution or not-for-profit organizations a plus

Responsibilities

Assists with the effective and efficient review and processing of general ledger transactions for the assigned unit.
Performs general ledger review, month-end close activities, and special projects.
Prepares financial reports.
Ensures compliance with internal accounting controls.
Verifies account activity and account balance every month for the assigned unit(s).
Reconciles assigned general ledger accounts on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Prepares adjusting journal entries when required.
Prepares support and documentation for monthly closing entries.
Monitors unit-based fund accounting and assures compliance for utilization of temporarily restricted (TR) funds.
Completes requested Payroll Accounting Adjustments and Deposit Tickets for assigned unit(s) when requested.
Participates in user acceptance training for Workday financial system updates.
Works closely with faculty and staff to ensure that accounting entries are properly prepared and that relevant internal control policies and guidelines are adhered to.
Coordinates with the unit’s financial management administrator(s).
Coordinates with the unit’s Procurement Analyst as needed.
Participates in campus and university‐wide financial meetings, task forces, and working groups as assigned.
Attends and participates in mandatory and recommended training and development opportunities.
Provides back-up to other accountants as needed.