Senior Accountant

Montclair State University; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Montclair State University is seeking a Senior Accountant to ensure accurate general ledger balances and perform monthly analyses and reconciliations. The role includes accounting for fixed assets, construction in progress and leases under GASB 87 guidance.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in accounting and at least five years of relevant experience, with strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB/FASB principles, and ERP systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in a financial/accounting function.
• Knowledge of journal entries, financial statement prep, and GAAP/GASB/FASB.
• Excellent customer service and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience with Workday or a similar ERP system preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complex general ledger account reconciliations and detailed analyses.
• Prepare bank reconciliations and monitor account activity for accuracy.
• Research and resolve discrepancies and prepare journal entries as required.
• Assist in month-end close procedures and fixed asset/ CIP/ leases accounting.
• Collaborate with Finance & Treasury and other departments for timely period recording.
• Identify improvements to financial controls and reporting; implement changes.

Skills

Account Reconciliation

GAAP/GASB/FASB

Fixed Assets

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Workday

Excel

Job description

Job Description

SUMMARY :

Reporting to the Director of General Accounting, the Senior Accountant is responsible for ensuring accurate general ledger account balances that are substantiated by the completion of monthly account analysis and reconciliations and timely close of the University's financial records. This position is also responsible for accounting of fixed assets, construction in progress and leases under GASB 87 guidance.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Prepare complex general ledger account reconciliations anddetailed analysis of assigned general ledger accounts.
• Prepare bank reconciliations.
• Review and monitor account activity to ensure accuracy,completeness, and the proper recording of transactions.
• Research and resolve discrepancies and prepare appropriatejournal entries as required.
• Assist in close procedures and month end close process bycompleting steps as assigned.
• Perform accounting for Fixed Assets, construction in progress,capital projects and leases under GASB87 guidance.
• Work collaboratively with Finance & Treasury associates andother University departments to ensure that deposit/disbursementsare recorded in the system in the period of occurrence.
• Identify and recommend improvements to financial controls andreporting; implement approved changes to existing processes.
• Prepare audit schedules and footnotes; assist with auditinquiries.
• Actively participate in or lead special projects as assignedincluding testing system implementations, upgrades, or enhancement;conducting financial analysis and developing ad hoc reports; andprocessing improvement initiatives.
• Meet deliverable deadlines.
• Assist stakeholders and requestor so they understand accountbalances and content. Answer account and other financial questionsby researching and interpreting data.
• Assist the Financial Reporting area in understanding accountbalances by providing account fluctuation explanations.
• Resolve helpdesk tickets as first level support for generalledger inquiries.
• Provide end user training/guidance in one on one and groupsettings.
• Keep abreast of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)as issued by the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) andthe Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) as well as of Stateand Federal circulars and Internal Revenue Service rules andregulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at anytime.

QUALIFICATIONS :

REQUIRED :

• Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited universityor college.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in afinancial/accounting function preparing account analysis,reconciliations and fixed assets.
• Knowledge and experience with journal entries, financialstatement preparation, and general accounting concepts includingGAAP and application as issued by GASB and/or FASB.
• Excellent customer service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

PREFERRED :

• Experience with Workday or a similar ERP system.
• CPA or CPA eligible.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables.
• Experience working for a higher education institution, a largenonprofit organization.
• Experience in data mining.
• Team player with strong communication skills.
• Decision making, problem solving and troubleshootingskills.
• Professional demeanor.

Salary Range

$80,000.00-$90,000.00 Annually

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits,including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuitionassistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but notlimited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’srelevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity,when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collectivebargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is withina CBU will be determined in accordance with contractualprovisions.

Department

General Accounting and Financial Reporting

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email [e-mail].

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educationalexcellence. We are committed to an environment of diverseperspectives which ensures that graduates will be civicallyengaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as globalcitizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiencesand voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideasand perspectives and who value an environment that promoteseducational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/AffirmativeAction institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at

www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not todiscriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does notdiscriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation ofeducation programs and activities. The requirement to notdiscriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation ofeducation programs and activities extends to admission andemployment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/