Staff Accountant

Lesley University • Cambridge, MA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Lesley University is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our Finance department. This role is responsible for core accounting functions, with a secondary responsibility for accounts payable. Primary duties include balance sheet reconciliations, preparation of journal entries in accordance with GAAP and institutional policies, and support of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes. The Staff Accountant plays a key role in maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the University’s financial data, while supporting successful audit outcomes and adherence to internal controls. Responsibilities related to accounts payable include maintaining invoice documentation in the ERP system (Ellucian Colleague), reconciling vendor statements, and processing invoices and payments in a timely manner, as well as performing disbursement testing and other administrative tasks as assigned. The Staff Accountant will collaborate cross-functionally with FP&A and Advancement teams to support financial reporting, strengthen accounting processes, and ensure data integrity. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to accuracy in handling financial data, including cash receipts, balance sheet accounts, and other key records.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three+ years of experience in grant preparation, research, program organization, or grant related financial support functions.
• Advanced proficiency in business and accounting systems, including advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply advanced accounting knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Demonstrates knowledge of accounting principles, financial systems, and internal controls.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute to a multi-functional team.

Nice To Haves

• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Commitment to accuracy in handling financial data, including cash receipts, balance sheet accounts, and other key records.

Responsibilities

• Balance sheet reconciliations
• Preparation of journal entries in accordance with GAAP and institutional policies
• Support of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Maintaining invoice documentation in the ERP system (Ellucian Colleague)
• Reconciling vendor statements
• Processing invoices and payments in a timely manner
• Performing disbursement testing and other administrative tasks as assigned
• Collaborate cross-functionally with FP&A and Advancement teams to support financial reporting, strengthen accounting processes, and ensure data integrity

Benefits

• health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance
• significant paid time off
• generous retirement plan
• tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level