Senior Accountant

Biola University, Inc.; La Mirada (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Biola University, Inc. is seeking a Senior Accountant responsible for advanced general ledger activity, grant accounting, and post-award financial management. The role ensures GAAP and 2 CFR 200 compliance, conducts financial analysis, and supports audits and reporting.

The position requires collaboration with the Finance Department, external auditors, and PIs, and emphasizes accuracy, discretion, and strong Excel modeling skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• 5–7 years of professional accounting experience.
• GAAP and 2 CFR 200 knowledge required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and post complex journal entries and financial statements.
• Manage post-award grant financial administration and budgets.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, 2 CFR 200, and university policies.
• Coordinate audits and provide documentation for external reviewers.
• Collaborate across Finance, OARG, and Principal Investigators.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Financial analysis

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Banner

Excel

Job description

Senior Accountant

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant is responsible for performing advanced general ledger accounting, managing institutional financial records, and overseeing the post-award financial administration of sponsored research grants. This position bridges core university financial operations with targeted grant accounting—ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), federal regulations (2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance), and university policies. The position plays a critical role in financial analysis, auditing, grant budget maintenance, and facilitating collaboration between the Finance Department, external auditors, regulatory agencies, and Principal Investigators (PIs).

Alignment with Theological Positions

The person who fills this position must be someone who personally agrees with Biola's Articles of Faith and who is supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its Statement of Biblical Principles and Eschatology Teaching Position. As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola.

Key Responsibilities

1. General Accounting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare, review, and post complex journal entries to the general ledger, ensuring proper classification and accurate financial recordkeeping.
• Maintain the general ledger in accordance with GAAP and university policies.
• Perform and review monthly balance sheet account reconciliations to resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements.
• Assist in preparing financial reports and schedules for management, the Board of Trustees, external auditors, and government agencies.

2. Post-Award Grant Financial Management

• Track, update, and monitor financial records and budgets for active grant portfolios, ensuring all transactions adhere to grant protocols and federal cost principles (2 CFR 200).
• Reconcile monthly grant budgets against institutional ledger records to ensure precision and audit-readiness.
• Review and process grant-related transactions, procurement orders, travel reimbursements, and personnel allocations in coordination with HR and Payroll.
• Assist with grant financial reporting, invoice reviews, letter-of-credit draws, and routine account closeout procedures.
• Serve as an operational liaison between the Finance Department, the Office of Academic Research and Grants (OARG), and Principal Investigators.

3. Compliance, Internal Controls & Audits

• Ensure compliance with university financial policies, state laws, federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and granting agency standards.
• Organize and maintain clear, audit-ready financial backup documentation and expense records for active grant accounts.
• Assist in managing annual external university financial audits and specific grant audits by preparing schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
• Implement and enforce internal controls to safeguard institutional and grant-funded assets.

4. Operational Support & Core Values

• Respond to financial inquiries from internal campus departments, auditors, regulatory bodies, and external sponsors.
• Provide support for special financial projects, systems implementation, or strategic initiatives as directed by leadership.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay updated on higher education accounting standards and grant compliance regulations.
• Maintain a lifestyle that reflects the core values, community standards, and statement of faith adhered to by the University and its employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of professional accounting experience.
• Experience in higher education accounting and/or sponsored grant financial administration preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with institutional accounting software (e.g., Banner) and standard office suites.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for financial modeling and detailed ledger reconciliation.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, balance competing priorities, and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a service-oriented mindset.
• Absolute discretion when handling confidential financial and personnel data.

Certifications (Preferred) CPA license or CPA candidate status preferred.

Hiring Range: $6,826.00 - 7,083.00 per month