Senior Accountant

Roberts Wesleyan University; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Roberts Wesleyan University in New York is seeking a Senior Accountant to maintain the general ledger, classify revenues and expenses, and manage endowment records. You will support GAAP compliance, prepare monthly reporting, and assist with audits and data submissions.

The role collaborates with the Controller and CFO, oversees ledger integrity, and coordinates with other departments on budgets, capital projects, and cash flow forecasting. A 5+ year not-for-profit background is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in related roles.
• Not-for-profit or higher education experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining the general ledger and GAAP compliance.
• Oversee GL structure, data input, and chart of accounts controls.
• Support accounts payable processes and departmental expenditure approvals.

Skills

5+ years exp

Not-for-profit exp

Higher ed exp

GAAP knowledge

Tax knowledge

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

MBA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Description

Job Summary

Reporting to the University Controller, the Senior Accountant maintains the general ledger of the University. The Senior Accountant will accurately and timely classify and record revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities and net assets of the University in the with and without donor restricted categories, while also performing a reasonable level of transactional work in the purchase and payables areas. In addition, the Senior Accountant will handle other general accounting related matters of the University, as well as endowment operations, various data reporting requirements and assistance with the preparation of the annual audit, along with the monthly reporting package.

Job Responsibilities

GENERAL

• Assist Controller and CFO in maintaining information systems and procedures necessary to maintain adequate fiscal controls, internal controls, and GAAP accounting compliance
• Oversight of general ledger structure and reconciliation
• Train finance and non-finance colleagues on relevant policies and procedures
• Oversee month-end closing process to ensure its accuracy
  

GENERAL LEDGER MAINTENANCE

• Responsible for accuracy of general ledger structure and data
• Supervise input of data in the general ledger, including data feeds, journal entries, Seminary allocations, payroll and benefit accounting, and so on
• Maintain controls over the chart of accounts and capital projects
  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Assist with efficient processing of accounts payable, including department assistance with purchase orders, and resolution of issues between departments and vendors when necessary
• Maintain and oversee departmental expenditure approval structure
• Ensure accurate account distribution for accounts payable
  

REPORTING

• Assist in review of monthly reporting and analysis of accounts receivable balances and bad debt reserve
• Assist with the required data submissions (IPEDS, MSCHE, CIC, etc.)
• Assistance with other financial reporting as requested
  

TREASURY FUNCTIONS

• Analyze, review, document, and/or execute drawdowns from student aid programs as necessary
• Oversee maintenance of endowment and charitable gift annuity records
• Coordinate with Advancement and assist with the classification of donations and periodic release from restriction
• Review (and ensure timely preparation of) cash and investment reconciliations
• Assist Controller with cash flow monitoring and forecasting
  

AUDIT & TAX REPORTING

• Assist with preparation for successful and efficient external audits of the University, Seminary, Housing Development Foundation, Retirement Plan, NCAA procedures, charitable gift annuity portfolio, and others as required
• Review Forms 990, Prepare forms 1099, sales tax and other tax compliance forms as required
  

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

• Maintain current working knowledge of technical accounting and industry compliance and regulatory requirements, and ensure compliance therewith
• Maintain industry connections for collaboration and benchmarking
• Assist with and consult on any ERP upgrade/implementations as needed, helping to craft and mold existing SOPs into new processes, reports, and system integration
  

OTHER

• Ensure all activities related to Finance meet Federal, State, Local and College standards
• Other duties as assigned, including backup for the Staff Accountant and Cashier role

Approved salary for this position is: $70,000.00- $85,000.00/annually

Requirements

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
  • CPA, MBA not required but preferred, as this role a potential succession plan to the Controller or other leadership roles at the University
• Experience
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in related roles is required
  • Not-for-profit experience is preferred, though not required
  • Higher education experience preferred
• Knowledge
  • Thorough working knowledge of GAAP accounting.
  • Knowledge of tax law (not-for profit / higher education environment) helpful.
  • Strong understanding of computerized accounting systems, working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database computer applications
  • Experience tracking capital expenditures, fixed assets, and cash flows a plus, as the complexity in these areas continues to grow at Roberts
  • Budgeting, forecasting, and reporting also a plus, as this role a back-up for the Budget Manager and works closely to report on actuals vs budget vs the forecast

Leadership Qualities

• Forward and creative thinker who can cast a vision to reach ambitious goals, with excellence and integrity
• Ability to advance ideas from plans to results
• Sets an example for continual improvement
• Persuasive advocate for departmental needs while successfully working cross-departmentally
• Addresses and resolves problems and conflict promptly, in a God-honoring way
• Makes and communicates difficult decisions firmly and graciously
• Earns respect and establishes rapport with colleagues
• Embraces diversity within the body of Christ

Personal Competencies

• Strong analytic skills and focus on complete, accurate and timely deliverables
• High attention to detail, with a strong controls focus
• Collaborative and a team player
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities, including project oriented coupled with transactional
• Proactive, bias for action and issue resolution
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills