Staff Accountant

Alliant•San Diego, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Accountant works under the general direction of the Controller and performs routine and ad hoc accounting support functions. The role requires applying generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, and auditing standards, and interpreting federal, state, and higher education regulations. The successful candidate is expected to uphold high professional and ethical standards and support Alliant University’s mission and vision. The position supports accounting operations, financial reporting, reconciliations, audits, cash monitoring, student payment and refund reconciliation, and expense-report review. It also provides accounting-system and procedural assistance to faculty, staff, budget analysts, and campus associates. The role has no direct or indirect reports and works closely with university departments, corporate finance and accounting, and vendors. The position is based at the San Diego Campus, with standard office hours and occasional evening or weekend hours. No travel is required. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a background check.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Two years of relevant accounting experience.
Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
Accounting skills and organizational, written and oral communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and research skills.
Strong work ethic, ability to work independently, and consistent performance with urgency and commitment.
Excellent customer-service skills, sensitivity to cultural diversity, and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work effectively as a team player; motivation, focus, and results orientation.
Ability to exercise discretion and tact in interpersonal contacts and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines and maintain composure under high-stress conditions.
Ability to be optimistic, positive, and supportive in interactions with others.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and provide documents verifying identity and work authorization.
Successful completion of a background check, including criminal, prior employment, and education verification.

Nice To Haves

ERP experience, such as Campus Nexus Student, SAP, or Intacct, with solid knowledge of integrated accounting software.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with the Controller, Senior Financial Analyst, and outsourced accounts payable and accounting service provider to ensure invoices are processed promptly and financial statements are completed accurately and on time.
Serve as an interface and provide technical assistance to University faculty and staff on accounting practices, procedures, and the Alliant accounting system.
Prepare periodic financial reports for international company headquarters and communicate on accounting- and treasury-related matters.
Review General Ledger detail for accuracy and completeness and prepare correcting journal entries when necessary.
Review General Ledger reconciliations prepared by the outsourced accounting provider and recommend improvements.
Provide month-end and ad hoc accounting reports as needed.
Prepare accounting and other financial schedules and analyses as required.
Support annual financial audits and internal audits by generating schedules, conducting research, preparing reconciliations, and providing technical assistance on accounting practices and procedures to budget analysts and campus associates.
Support the Student Accounts team with daily reconciliation of payments and refunds, including web payments, checks, wires, financial aid funds, credit-card refunds, and stipends.
Support property tax declaration filings for various campus locations.
Support the Risk Management internal-control review, testing, and reporting in BeWise.
Monitor daily cash flow, perform reconciliation analysis, and prepare monthly SAP cash-balance reporting in BeCash.
Review employee expense reports for overall reasonableness and compliance with the Business and Travel Expense and Reimbursement Policy and government regulations.
Perform other related tasks, duties, and responsibilities as required, assigned, or directed.