Accounting Assistant

American University; United States; Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

American University is seeking an Accounting Assistant to support the Controller’s Office - Grants & Contracts Accounting team. This role performs accounting data entry, journal entries, and reporting, while delivering general administrative support across the department.

Hybrid work arrangement requires on-campus presence 3–4 days per week in Washington, DC. Ideal candidates have an Associate’s degree with 1–3 years of accounting or office experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in accounting or related field required; 1–3 years of relevant accounting experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and accounting software; ability to analyze and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Enter, update, and retrieve accounting data in the financial system.
• Prepare journal entries and financial position reports for cash transactions.
• Assist with post-award financial management and award setup processes.
• Provide general administrative support to the Controller’s Office and Grants & Contracts Accounting team.

Skills

Communication skills

Accounting knowledge

Time management

Analytical thinking

Education

Associate's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Outlook

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Learn more about American University Department: Research Administration Operations Time Type: Full time Job Type: Regular FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week) Union: Excluded

Job Description

Summary: The Accounting Assistant position serves as accounting and administrative support for the Controller’s Office -Grants & Contracts Accounting (GCA) Team. This position is responsible for assisting the GCA office of senior and staff accountants with day-to-day operations while also performing tasks such as (but not limited to): entering, updating, and/or retrieving accounting data from the financial system, ensuring award setup is processed electronically, preparing journal entries and financial position reports for cash transactions, and monitoring incoming and outgoing verbal and written communication. The Assistant provides general administrative support as required.

Essential Functions

• Oversees the allocation of externally funded awards cash payments by managing incoming cash payments and reviews ledger accounts to ensure accuracy.
• Review and reconcile the departments holding account and prepare the necessary corrections.
• Feedback is provided by the Accounting Manager and Accounting staff.
• Develops and maintains templated responses for general email questions to ensure consistency in communications.
• Respond to incoming emails within defined timeframes.
• Organize, archive, and categorize emails for ease of reference and record keeping.
• Feedback is provided by accounting staff as well as the Accounting Manager and/or Director.
• Assist accounting staff with post-award financial management for their portfolio by assigning new project account numbers, establishing award file folders on the network drive, etc.
• Conduct a preliminary review of incoming cost transfers to ensure completion in accordance with AU policy and procedure.
• Provides general administrative support, including answering phones, greeting/assisting visitors, preparation of documents and reports, scheduling meetings, compiling records, coordinating calendars, and organizing and maintaining information.
• This requires the ability to interpret and communicate information, ideas, and instructions accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing, including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on complex assignments, conferring with the Accounting Manager on unusual matters.
• Review and reconcile posted general journal entries by verifying that supporting documentation is housed in the appropriate record-keeping location.
• Work is reviewed and approved by the Accounting Manager or Director.

Competencies

• Serving Customers.
• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
• Prioritizing and Organizing.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Full-time. 35 hours per week.

Salary Range

$23.21 - $28.43 per hour.

Required Education and Experience

Associate's degree or equivalent in accounting or related business field that includes accounting coursework. 1 - 3 years of relevant experience. Minimum of 2 year of relevant general office support. Minimum of 1 year of relevant accounting experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

Associate's degree.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Skill using Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to develop briefings, presentations, and reports and to conduct analysis. Excellent communication skills. Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of fiscal management/ accounting software applications. Ability to enter, maintain, and compile accounting, budgetary, fiscal, labor/ payroll and leave data. Must understand accounting principles such as debits, credits, revenue, and cash transactions. Must manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, set goals, and develop systems for achieving those goals.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. Special duties and projects as assigned by the Director or Accounting Manager.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.