Accountant II

College of Eastern Idaho; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable Health Plans

Sick leave from day one

Vacation leave

Fidelity 401 (a) plan / PERSI base

Life Insurance

Educational Savings

Exclusive Discounts

Job summary

College of Eastern Idaho is seeking an Accountant II to support budget processes and accounting functions. You will assist with budget preparation, entry, monitoring, reconciliation, analysis, and reporting, plus month-end and year-end closing.

You will also support grant accounting and financial analysis, using Ellucian Colleague and advanced Excel skills. The role requires accuracy, independence, and the ability to work in Idaho Falls in a team-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Knowledge of budgeting, accounting principles, and financial record-keeping practices.
• Experience preparing, reviewing, reconciling, or analyzing financial or budget records.
• Experience with computerized accounting/ERP systems and strong Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with annual budget development and implementation.
• Prepare, enter, and maintain approved budgets and transfers in the financial system.
• Submit budget data to State reporting systems and coordinate with State personnel.
• Monitor budget-to-actual activity and prepare variance analyses.
• Assist with financial forecasting, budget projections, and historical trend analyses.
• Prepare recurring and ad-hoc budget reports, dashboards, and training materials.
• Reconcile budget records to the general ledger and supporting information.
• Provide routine budget reports and transaction research to departments.
• Maintain accurate budget records in the Ellucian Colleague ERP system.
• Assist with grant accounting, billings, reporting, and reimbursements.

Skills

Budget development

Forecasting

Grant accounting

Microsoft Excel

Ellucian Colleague

Bilingual Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

The Accountant II reports to the Controller and works closely with the Vice President of Finance and Operations, Associate Controller, Grant Accountant, and other members of the Business Office. This position provides primary operational support for the College’s budget processes, including budget preparation, entry, monitoring, reconciliation, analysis, and reporting.

The Accountant II also supports the Controller and Associate Controller with general accounting functions, financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end processes. Additionally, this position assists the Grant Accountant with grant-related accounting, monitoring, and reconciliation activities.

What We Offer

At the College of Eastern Idaho, we’re dedicated to providing open access to affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of our students, regional employers, and the community. To support our dedicated faculty and staff, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees:

• Affordable Health Plans: With three medical plan options, you can select healthcare coverage that best meets your needs. See rates here.
• Supporting Work-Life Balance: Earn sick leave with no accrual limit starting day one. Staff accrue vacation leave starting at 15 days a year with a tiered system (Faculty excluded from vacation leave).
• Retirement Savings: Faculty and exempt staff are enrolled in the Fidelity 401 (a)plan. Non-exempt or vested employees are enrolled in the PERSI base plan. View contribution rates here.
• Life Insurance: no-cost coverage for you and your dependents with the option to add more.
• Educational Savings: Significant tuition fee discounts for qualifying employees and their dependents.
• Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy local discounts on cell plans, movie tickets, gyms, and more.

We value your contributions and are committed to your well-being and success. Visit our Benefits Guide for more information:

Budget & Financial Analysis

• Assist the Vice President of Finance and Operations with the annual budget development and implementation process
• Prepare, enter, and maintain approved budgets, budget adjustments, and transfers within the financial system
• Assist with the preparation and submission of the College’s annual budget to the State of Idaho, including uploading budget data through the State Controller’s Office reporting system and coordinating with State personnel to address requests, reporting requirements, corrections, and other required follow-up.
• Monitor budget-to-actual activity and prepare variance reports and analyses
• Assist with financial forecasting, budget projections, and analysis of historical financial activity and trends
• Prepare recurring and ad-hoc budget reports, spreadsheets, schedules, dashboards, and ongoing employee training
• Reconcile budget records to the general ledger and supporting financial information
• Research budget transactions, variances, and discrepancies and prepare supporting analysis
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of departmental and institutional budget information
• Provide College departments with routine budget reports, account information, and transaction research
• Maintain accurate budget records, documentation, and financial data within the Ellucian Colleague ERP system

General Accounting & Reconciliation

• Prepare and process journal entries and maintain supporting documentation
• Perform general ledger, balance sheet, bank, purchase card, and other assigned account reconciliations
• Review financial transactions and account activity for accuracy and research and resolve discrepancies
• Assist the Controller and Associate Controller with month-end and year-end closing processes
• Prepare financial schedules, account analyses, reports, and supporting documentation
• Assist with financial statement preparation and state, federal, and other required financial reporting
• Assist with external audit requests, reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation
• Support other accounting functions and special projects as assigned by the Controller or Associate Controller

Grant Accounting Support

• Assist the Grant Accountant with grant accounting, reconciliations, reporting, and financial monitoring
• Assist with preparation and processing of grant billings and reimbursement requests
• Prepare grant budget-to-actual reports and reconcile assigned grant accounts
• Review grant transactions for accurate accounting and supporting documentation
• Assist with Time and Effort reporting and other grant-related financial documentation
• Support grant reporting, audits, and closeout activities

Financial Systems & Reporting

• Utilize Ellucian Colleague and related systems to enter, maintain, query, and report financial and budget information
• Develop and maintain spreadsheets, reports, dashboards, and tracking tools to support budget and accounting processes
• Research financial transactions and system records to identify and resolve discrepancies
• Assist with automated reporting and financial process improvements
• Assist with testing, documentation, and implementation of financial system and process changes
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience
• Knowledge of budgeting, accounting principles, and financial record-keeping practices
• Experience preparing, reviewing, reconciling, or analyzing financial or budget records
• Experience using computerized accounting, financial, or enterprise resource planning systems
• Proficiency using Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, databases, and online reporting tools
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet established deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and goals of the College
• Incumbent must reside in the State of Idaho (CEI does not sponsor visas)

• Experience with Ellucian Colleague software
• Experience with budget development, forecasting, monitoring, reconciliation, or variance analysis
• Experience with fund or governmental accounting
• Experience with grant accounting or grant-funded programs
• Experience with month-end and year-end accounting processes
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial reporting and data analysis
• Experience developing financial reports, dashboards, or automated reporting tools
• Experience working in higher education, government, or nonprofit organizations
• Knowledge of GASB accounting standards
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Physical Demands

Delivering course instruction includes the ability to lift files or instructional materials, open filing cabinets; and bend, sit, or stand as necessary.

On-site work is essential and regular predictable attendance is required.

Employees may be required to work at occasional events and handle tasks outside of regular working hours.

Background Investigations

Employment at College of Eastern Idaho will be contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation and may require a credit and/or motor vehicle background investigation depending on the position. Please refer to Policy 225: Background Checks.

EOE/ADA - Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. In addition, preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. If you need special accommodations to satisfy testing requirements, please contact the Division of Human Resources.

Link to Annual Security Report for CEI: https://www.cei.edu/students-right-know