Lead Accountant

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

North Carolina State University’s NCSCaLE division seeks a Lead Accountant to manage complex budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls across departments and programs.

The role involves supervising staff, coordinating payroll reconciliations, and partnering with unit leaders to align financial activities with university priorities. Hybrid work with on-site three days per week in Raleigh, NC.

Qualifications

• Require post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years experience; a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree.
• Advanced proficiency with Google and Microsoft applications, including Gmail, Sheets, Docs, Word, Excel, and Power BI.
• Familiarity with budgeting practices, financial procedures, GAAP, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Budget Oversight: manage budgets across departments, forecast expenditures and revenues.
• Financial Operations: process vouchers, requisitions, journal entries, and reconcile accounts.
• Reporting & Analysis: prepare financial statements and provide recommendations to leaders.
• Internal Controls: maintain controls and ensure policy adherence; assist audits.
• Leadership: supervise staff and partner with department heads to communicate financial info.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel

Power BI

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Power BI

Job description

Lead Accountant

Anticipated Hiring Range: $68,000-$80,000

Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with an expectation of three work days on site; subject to business requirements.

Raleigh, NC

Business Operations NCSCaLE

About the Department

NC State Continuing Education serves the public, the non-traditional student, and the academic community of NC State by facilitating access to University knowledge and resources and alternative methods of knowledge transfer; specifically to support non-credit programs provided by the University for non-degree seeking students.

The NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education (NCSCaLE) serves as a gateway to the vast intellectual and technical resources at NC State University. NCSCaLE has continually evolved to meet the educational needs of individuals, organizations, governmental agencies, and corporations. For more than 100 years, NCSCaLE has proudly carried on the tradition of public service first established by Jane S. McKimmon, a pioneer in the field of continuing education.

DELTA/NCSCaLE Business Operations is one of the administrative support units within the NCSCaLE, a $27 million operation that is supported primarily by revenue-generating programs. DELTA/NCSCaLE Business Operations provides business administration, financial management, human resource management for full-time, part-time, temporary, and student employees, redistribution of salaries, supplemental pay and audit and approval of compensating controls, information analysis, contract and grant review, and policy interpretation and dissemination for all units within the NCSCaLE division. The unit is an authorized receipts and accounts receivable center. The Business Operations Team is responsible for timely billing and ensuring that all collection efforts comply with the guidelines of the Attorney General Office and the Office of State Controller. Establishes and monitors use rates for the Division.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

Whether you are a detail-oriented accounting professional who enjoys solving complex financial challenges or a finance leader who thrives in a dynamic, evolving environment, this is an opportunity to bring your expertise to an organization focused on growth and reinvention. The Lead Accountant is part of the NCSCaLE Business Office and supports the Assistant Vice Provost for Business Operations in managing complex, specialized accounting and financial activities across multiple departments and programs.

Working across multiple business units and programs, this role applies accounting principles and practices to a broad range of budgeting, cost accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal functions. You will help ensure financial activities are accurate, well-coordinated, and aligned with organizational priorities while providing financial insight and support to assigned units.

Key Responsibilities

Budget Oversight & Forecasting

• Manage and analyze budgets across several departments, programs, and assigned unit portfolios
• Develop, update, and evaluate internal budgets; forecast expenditures and revenues to support financial planning and decision-making
• Prepare and interpret financial reports and provide recommendations to program operations and leadership
• Develop end-of-year spending plans and recommend strategies to ensure funds are appropriately utilized
• Coordinate new fiscal year budget development for assigned departments and programs
• Support Administrative and Marketing Services cost allocation analysis, including annual rate development and reporting
• Perform payroll reconciliations and redistributions

Financial Operations, Transactions & Compliance

• Review and process financial transactions, including vouchers, marketplace orders, requisitions, journal entries, interdepartmental transfers, and travel reimbursements
• Review purchase orders and requisitions to ensure appropriate use of assigned funds
• Identify and resolve data inaccuracies, unusual transactions, and complex accounting issues through appropriate financial processes
• Audit PCard transactions and supporting documentation for compliance with university policies and procedures; complete monthly reconciliations and statement submissions
• Process Momentus refunds and payments and complete REPORTER financial setup for non-credit registration activities
• Support cash and check receipting processes and maintain compliance with established internal controls
• Serve as a backup to other accountants to maintain continuity of financial operations

Financial Analysis, Reporting & Reconciliation

• Prepare and reconcile account reports and financial statements requiring interpretation and analysis of accounting records
• Develop and implement control systems for determining and distributing costs
• Collaborate with administrators to develop, operate, and evaluate accounting systems and financial processes
• Examine accounting documents and records to verify accuracy, compliance with policies and procedures, and adherence to accounting standards
• Independently research and resolve complex financial problems where no clear precedent exists, including the implementation of new accounting structures

Internal Controls, Policy Adherence & Audit Support

• Maintain effective internal controls across assigned financial processes and activities
• Verify compliance with university, state, and federal accounting policies, procedures, and standards
• Support audit readiness through accurate documentation, reconciliations, financial reviews, and compliance checks
• Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve processes, and maintain the integrity of financial data

Leadership, Communication & Collaboration

• Provide direct supervision to an Accountant I, including assigning and prioritizing work, supporting performance, and ensuring workflow continuity and compliance
• Serve as a financial business partner to department heads, program directors, and other stakeholders by communicating financial information clearly and providing practical recommendations
• Collaborate with university departments and business services professionals to address financial and operational needs and leverage available resources
• Communicate financial information and recommendations effectively with various audiences while maintaining responsive and professional customer service

As Lead Accountant, you will play an important role in strengthening financial operations, supporting sound fiscal management, and helping advance the work of NCSCaLE and its partner departments. If you are a thoughtful accounting professional who enjoys applying financial expertise to complex challenges, collaborating across business units, and helping leaders make informed decisions, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Require post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years experience; a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.

Other Required Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency with Google and Microsoft applications, including Gmail, Sheets, Docs, Word, Excel, and Power BI.
• Knowledge of budgeting practices, financial procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Familiarity with organizing, planning, and prioritizing work while managing multiple demands, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to provide responsive customer service and collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information, with strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a closely related field with at least two years of related experience.
• Experience working in higher education, preferably at NC State or another public institution.
• Familiarity with North Carolina and NC State fiscal policies, procedures, and financial practices.
• Experience using PeopleSoft Financials or similar enterprise financial systems.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

09/25/2026

Anticipated Close Date

10/08/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

Position Number

00050147

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

090102 - Business Operations NCSCaLE

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.