Staff Accountant

Stony Brook University•Stony Brook, NY

17d

About The Position

The Staff Accountant will use the knowledge of large scale Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) to independently perform complex financial reconciliations, transaction processing, and financial analysis in support of University operations. The incumbent independently manages banking, revenue, payroll-related, and student financial transactions; resolves discrepancies; prepares journal entries and reports; and serves as a financial liaison to departments, central offices, and external banking partners. The Staff Accountant will have analytical experience, be accurate with figures, well organized and exercise sound judgment in decision making. The Staff Accountant will have the ability to communicate with and advise internal and external constituents. This position will work independently with little supervision. This position exercises sound judgment, works with minimal supervision, and makes recommendations to improve processes, data accuracy, and financial controls.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Accounting or Finance.
Two (2) years of full-time, finance-related experience.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Proven proficiency in Microsoft Excel to include use of advanced formulas.
Experience in PeopleSoft SUNY FMS, or Oracle.
Experience working in higher education or similar complex organizational environments.

Responsibilities

Perform daily and monthly reconciliation of University depository, ACH, RF advance, State Payroll Advance, and Southampton bank accounts to PeopleSoft General Ledger, Bursar systems, and supporting sub-ledgers.
Access banking and merchant service platforms to obtain transaction data and analyze variances.
Research, analyze, and resolve complex discrepancies by working with departments, Bursar, banks, and central offices.
Prepare adjusting journal entries and supporting documentation.
Identify trends or control issues and recommend corrective actions.
Review and analyze PDME, payroll, and expense transactions for accuracy and compliance.
Work directly with departments, VP areas, and Human Resources to resolve system errors, funding issues, and expense transfer questions.
Act as liaison between stakeholders and HR/Payroll offices.
Import and validate files in SUNY FMS and related systems.
Recommend process improvements to reduce recurring transaction errors.
Work with departments in the development and review of conference and IFR rates.
Maintain rate databases and supporting financial documentation.
Prepare and distribute revenue reconciliation reports using data warehouse, SUNY System, and PeopleSoft data.
Analyze revenue activity and resolve discrepancies with departments and central offices.
Assist with maintenance and integrity of Chart of Accounts structures across PeopleSoft, SUNY, and related systems.
Review and prepare documentation for new accounts and account modifications.
Ensure COA updates are accurately loaded and reflected in financial systems.
Support policy and reference table maintenance related to financial structures.
Execute weekly check disbursement processes in PeopleSoft, ensuring accuracy and completeness of payment data.
Review refund transactions and supporting documentation for compliance with University policies and internal controls.
Prepare and process manual/emergency checks when required.
Coordinate with stakeholders regarding disbursement status and resolve payment-related issues.
Assist in monitoring cash availability to support disbursement activity.
Review, verify, and process tuition waiver applications in accordance with policy.
Coordinate interagency tuition transactions and waiver redemption processes between campuses.
Ensure accurate recording of tuition-related adjustments and transfers.
Assist with monthly OAP tuition transfers and bi-weekly seasonal transfers, ensuring accurate posting and reconciliation.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.