Accountant

Assumption University; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Assumption University seeks an Accountant to support its financial operations, maintaining accurate records, processing transactions, and assisting with budget activities in compliance with GAAP and university policies. The role collaborates with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure financial integrity and timely reporting.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's in accounting and 2 years of accounting experience; proficiency in Excel and ERP Colleague is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• 2 years of accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting basics.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process journal entries and maintain general ledger accounts.
• Reconcile bank accounts, balance sheet accounts, and subsidiary ledgers.
• Assist with accounts payable and cash management activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Colleague ERP

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The accountant position supports the financial operations of the institution by performing a variety of accounting, reconciliation, reporting, and compliance functions. This role assists in maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions, supporting budget activities, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and applicable federal and state regulations. The accountant position collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to support the financial integrity of the institution.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Prepare and process journal entries and maintain general ledger accounts.
• Reconcile bank accounts, balance sheet accounts, and subsidiary ledgers.
• Assist with accounts payable and cash management activities.
• Monitor and review financial transactions for accuracy and completeness.
• Support month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Maintain accounting records and supporting documentation in accordance with institutional policies.

Financial Reporting

• Assist in preparing financial statements, reports, and schedules.
• Compile and analyze financial data for departmental and institutional reporting.
• Support budget preparation, monitoring, and variance analysis.
• Generate reports for management, auditors, and regulatory agencies as needed.

Compliance and Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, institutional policies, and governmental regulations.
• Assist with annual financial audits and provide supporting documentation.
• Support grant accounting and restricted fund reporting, where applicable.
• Maintain internal controls and identify opportunities for process improvements.

Customer Service and Collaboration

• Respond to inquiries from faculty, staff, students, and vendors regarding financial transactions.
• Work collaboratively with departments across campus to resolve accounting issues.
• Provide guidance on financial procedures and documentation requirements.

Other Duties

• Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Perform other accounting and administrative duties as assigned.

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 position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are required.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

The mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Examples of mental demands include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, language, math, reasoning, oral communications, written communications, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, constant interruptions, and performing calculations when necessary.

About Assumption University:

St. John Paul II wrote: “Man’s creation by God ‘in his own image’ confers upon every human person an eminent dignity; it also postulates the fundamental equality of all human beings.” Assumption University recognizes the essential contribution of a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty and condemns all forms of harassment, discrimination, and disrespect.

As such, and in compliance with the requirements of federal law and/or the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Assumption University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, as well as other legally protected status, in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, except where such conditions may constitute bona fide qualifications for the programs or activities in question.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting
• 2 years of accounting experience.
• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Familiarity with fund accounting and grant accounting.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) Colleague system used in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of GAAP and basic accounting practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.