Senior Accountant

Lamar University; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas is seeking a Sr. Accountant to ensure accuracy and integrity of the University’s financial records. The role performs accounting work including reconciliations, journal entries, cost allocations, and grant accounting.

The incumbent supports monthly and annual reporting, assists in training staff, and provides financial guidance to departments. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to financial stewardship are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; three years accounting experience.
• GAAP knowledge and experience with financial reporting and compliance.
• Experience with grant accounting and cost allocations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Reconcile general ledger, trial balance, and monthly financial reporting.
• Prepare and process journal entries; allocate costs and verify transactions.
• Manage accounts payable/receivable and input data into USAS.
• Maintain fixed asset records and support audits.
• Train and mentor junior accounting staff; respond to post-award inquiries.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Ability to reconcile accounts

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Internal controls

MS Excel

Data analysis

Financial reporting

Grant experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Advanced degree or CPA (desired)

Tools

Banner ERP

USAS

Cardinal Purchasing

Job description

Job Summary

As part of the Financial Services department, the Sr. Accountant plays an essential role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the University’s financial records. This position performs professional accounting work including financial analysis, reconciliations, journal entries, financial aid analysis, cost allocations, and transaction review. Responsibilities include supporting accounts payable and receivable functions, encumbrance analysis, fixed asset tracking, grant budget establishment, revenue and indirect cost monitoring, and data entry in the State of Texas Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS). The Sr. Accountant supports monthly and annual financial reporting, ensues compliance with state and institutional policies, assists in training and mentoring accountants I and II, and provides customer service and post-award support to university departments. This role requires analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to financial accuracy and stewardship.

Essential Job Functions

Financial Reconciliation, Reporting & Grant Accounting

• Reconcile general ledger, trial balance, cash balances, revenue, indirect costs, and monthly financial reporting; establish grand budgets and ensure allowable expenditures.

Journal Entries, Cost Accounting & Transaction Review

• Prepare and process journal entries, allocate costs, verify transactions, process Sub-Award payments, returns of unused funds, and assist with payment applications.

Accounts Receivable, Payable & Financial Operations

• Manage receivables and payables, support invoice and reimbursement processing, perform account analysis, and enter data into USAS as needed.

Fixed Assets & Compliance Support

• Maintain fixed asset and inventor records, safeguard assets, support audits and provide construction and progress on asset reporting.

Customer Service, Training and Administrative Support

• Train accountant I &II staff, monitor and respond to post-award inquiries, and provide financial guidance and support to departments and stakeholders.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, Major in Accounting, Finance, or a related Business field.
• Three years in accounting/business office experience.

Desired Qualification.

• Advanced Degree in business or CPA.
• Five years of business experience.
• Five years of ERP experience - Banner, USAS, Cardinal Purchasing.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), federal, state, university, and NACUBO guidelines
• Excel and Database management experience
• Familiarity with MS Excel & Word & Outlook
• Able to analyze & reconcile accounts and data sets
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
• Understand the concept of internal control
• Effective Communication skills
• Grant Experience

Physical Requirements: Able to lift 25 lbs. and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing and walking between buildings.

Job Conditions: Duties are typically performed within the Plummer Administration Building. Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with occasional extended hours based on reporting deadlines.

Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Who We Are: Home to more than 18,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 120-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University strives to educate leaders, demonstrate excellence in student learning and career readiness, and pursue research with relevance. Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance?
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents.
• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Benefits - Lamar University

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.