Accountant

Mississippi University for Women; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS seeks a professional accountant to manage journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and GASB. You will support year-end closing, audits, and budgets across university departments.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field, at least five years of accounting experience, and proficiency with Banner Finance and Microsoft Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Governmental or higher education accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GAAP and ability to analyze and reconcile financial information.
• Strong organization and communication skills; attention to detail.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite with advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner Finance and GASB standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process journal entries and journal vouchers.
• Review and reconcile assigned general ledger accounts.
• Analyze accounting transactions and resolve discrepancies.
• Provide accounting support and guidance to departments.
• Review Banner system transactions to ensure proper accounting codes and compliance.
• Research accounting issues and prepare correcting journal entries as needed.
• Analyze revenues and expenditures for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform account reconciliations and prepare supporting schedules.
• Assist with monthly financial closing procedures.
• Prepare financial reports, special reports and analyses as requested.
• Maintain documentation supporting accounting transactions and reconciliations.
• Assist with year-end closing activities, including accrual entries.
• Support internal and external audit processes by preparing requested documentation and schedules.
• Participate in special projects and Banner system initiatives.
• Provide backup support for accounting functions, including cashier and accounts payable.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses requested by management.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

Tools

Ellucian Banner Finance

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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Proposed Annual Salary, Hourly Rate or One-time payment

• Prepare and process journal entries and journal vouchers.
• Review and reconcile assigned general ledger accounts.
• Analyze accounting transactions and resolve discrepancies.
• Provide accounting support and guidance to departments.
• Review Banner system transactions to ensure proper accounting codes and compliance.
• Research accounting issues and prepare correcting journal entries as needed.
• Analyze revenues and expenditures for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform account reconciliations and prepare supporting schedules.
• Assist with monthly financial closing procedures.
• Prepare financial reports, special reports and analyses as requested.
• Maintain documentation supporting accounting transactions and reconciliations.
• Assist with year-end closing activities, including accrual entries.
• Support internal and external audit processes by preparing requested documentation and schedules.
• Participate in special projects and Banner system initiatives.
• Provide backup support for accounting functions, including cashier and accounts payable.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses requested by management.
• Perform other reasonable duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• Five years of progressively responsible accounting experience
• Governmental or higher education accounting experience preferred

Other Skills, Qualifications and Abilities:

• Knowledge of GAAP
• Ability to analyze end reconcile financial information
• Strong organization and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Excel skills
• Attention to detail, strong accuracy in data entry, record-keeping, and financial reconciliation
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Preferred:
• Experience with Ellucian Banner Finance
• Knowledge of GASB standards
• Experience with financial statement preparation
• Experience with governmental accounting

Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Special vision requirements include close, distance, color and peripheral vision; depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The work environment is moderate noise.

Job Description Summary

Performs professional accounting duties related to the recording, reconciliation, analysis, and reporting of University financial transactions. Prepares journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reports while ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, governmental accounting standards, and University policies. Assists with year-end closing, audit preparation, financial statement support, and special projects. Provides accounting guidance and support to University departments.

Hours of Availability

Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. However, failure to disclose may disqualify a candidate.

Requisition Number

Requisition Number FY20774NF

Open Date

Open Date 08/03/2026

Will this job have a specific close date?

Will this job have a specific close date? No

Close Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • MUW Departmental Announcement
  • MUW Human Resources Office
  • MUW Website
  • Mississippi Employment Service
  • Local Newspaper
  • In-state Newspaper
  • Out-of-state Newspaper
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Friend
  • Journal/Periodical
  • Off-campus Recruitment
  • Women/Minority Publication
  • Contacted by department and invited to apply
  • Other
  • The Academic Network (TAN)
• * Are you currently authorized to work in the United States? (Proof of Citizenship or Immigration status will be required upon offer of employment)
  • Yes
  • No
• * If hired, would you need sponsorship or work authorization to work for MUW now or in the future? (NOTE: MUW does not sponsor employment visas.)
  • Yes
  • No