Senior Accountant

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Teaneck Township (NJ)

On-site

USD 75,000 - 95,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Tuition grant

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Long term disability

Supplemental life insurance

Commuter benefits

Long term care

FSA/HSA

Job summary

Fairleigh Dickinson University is seeking a Senior Accountant to support its accounting operations. The role will perform professional accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and analysis to ensure accurate financial information and timely reporting.

The Senior Accountant will be cross-trained across core accounting functions and provide backup coverage as needed. The role reports to the Assistant Controller and involves responsibilities across general ledger, grants, treasury,

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting; certified or near-certification preferred.
Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting is a plus.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
Ability to perform month-end/year-end close and reconciliations.
Proficient in Excel and ERP systems; accuracy and attention to details.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to identify discrepancies and trends.
Excellent written and verbal communication; able to liaise with departments across the university.
Capability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professional judgment.
Willingness to participate in external audits and compliance reporting.
Background check clearance required.

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements and notes for university reporting.
Execute monthly, quarterly, and year-end close with proper accounting treatment.
Manage bank reconciliations, ledgers, grants, and debt accounting; monitor bond reserves.
Serve as system administrator for Travel Card Program and related controls.
Assist with external audits and responses to auditor inquiries.
Maintain documentation and strengthen internal controls across accounting functions.
Support treasury, cash management, and capital asset accounting.
Collaborate across departments to ensure accurate financial information.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

General ledger accounting

Financial reporting

Account reconciliations

Data analysis

Excel advanced

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem solving

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Background check compliance

Education

Baccalaureate degree in Accounting

Tools

Colleague ERP

Excel

Job description

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes: employee tuition grant, health/dental/RX/vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plan contributions, employer paid life insurance and long term disability benefits, as well as various voluntary benefits including but not limited to supplemental life insurance, commuter benefits, long term care, and FSA / HSA .

Status: Full-Time

Months Worked: 12 Month

Job Summary:

This position reports to the Assistant Controller and performs professional accounting, financial reporting, reconciliation, analysis, and related financial management activities in support of the University’s accounting operations. The Senior Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timely reporting of financial information and for applying sound accounting principles, analytical judgment, and attention to detail in the review and resolution of financial matters.

Senior Accountants are expected to be cross-trained across core Accounting Department functions and to provide backup and coverage for other accounting responsibilities as business needs require. Assignments may include financial reporting, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, grants and restricted funds, treasury activities, capital and debt accounting, tax and regulatory reporting, audit support, and other areas within the Finance Division.

Required Qualifications

1. Prepare, review, and analyze quarterly and annual financial statements and supporting schedules, including components of the consolidated statement of financial position, statement of activities, statement of cash flows, financial statement notes, and year-end lead schedules.
2. Perform assigned responsibilities related to monthly, quarterly, and year-end general ledger closing processes, ensuring transactions are properly recorded, supported, classified, and reported in accordance with applicable accounting standards and University policies
3. Compiles and summarizes transaction data and initiates wire transfers for bond and note payments, employee benefits, payroll, payroll taxes, health plans, pensions, and rentals. Monitors required bond reserves and ensures timely payment of principal and interest in accordance with bond agreements. Prepares annual bond compliance schedules for submission to the trustee and posting on the Electronic Municipal Market Access ( EMMA ) site.
4. Serves in the capacity of system administrator on the University’s Travel Card Program. Responsibilities include serving as primary contact between the University and the issuing bank, cardholder training, segregation of cardholders into functional units, providing assistance with resolution of accounting and/or cardholder issues, monitoring the program credit limit.
5. Prepare, analyze, and reconcile bank accounts, balance sheet, general ledger, subsidiary system, and other financial accounts and records; identify and investigate trends, variances, unusual activity, errors, and discrepancies; resolve issues and communicate findings and recommended corrective actions within the defined scope of this position.
6. Prepare and/or assist with federal, state, and other tax and regulatory filings, financial surveys, compliance reports, and other required external reporting.
7. Support the annual external audit and other internal or external reviews by preparing schedules, supporting documentation, account analyses, confirmations, and responses to auditor inquiries in an accurate and timely manner.
8. Perform accounting and reporting activities associated with assigned University funds and accounts, which may include grants and sponsored programs, restricted and scholarship funds, capital projects, debt, investments, advancement-related activity, and other specialized accounts.
9. Review financial transactions and supporting documentation for accuracy, authorization, appropriate accounting treatment, and compliance with University policies and applicable requirements; monitor, research, reconcile, and resolve outstanding or unusual financial items requiring follow-up, including refunds, unclaimed property, and stale-dated items.
10. Prepare and reconcile financial reports for internal and external stakeholders and assist in responding to financial inquiries from departments throughout the University.
11. Assist with treasury and cash-management activities, including bank activity, cash transactions, transfers, reconciliations, and other related responsibilities, as assigned.
12. Assist with capital asset and debt accounting, including account reconciliations, schedules, transaction review, and related financial reporting.
13. Maintain appropriate documentation and support effective internal controls. Identify opportunities to strengthen accounting procedures, improve processes, enhance reporting, and reduce the risk of errors.
14. Develop and maintain proficiency across multiple Accounting functions. Serve as backup for other Senior Accountants and accounting functions as needed to ensure continuity of operations, effective workload management, and appropriate departmental coverage.
15. Utilize financial systems, spreadsheets, and other technology to analyze data, prepare reports and reconciliations, improve efficiency, and support informed financial decision-making.
16. Participate in special projects, financial analyses, system implementations or enhancements, process-improvement initiatives, and other Finance Division priorities as assigned.
17. Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Baccalaureate degree required in Accounting.
2. Minimum of three years of progressively responsible, comprehensive accounting experience. Experience in higher education, a nonprofit organization, or a similarly complex accounting environment is preferred.
3. Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrated experience with general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and financial analysis.
4. Demonstrated analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to interpret financial information, identify discrepancies and trends, investigate underlying causes, and develop appropriate solutions.
5. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, completeness, documentation, and data integrity.
6. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and priorities, meet established deadlines, and work effectively in an environment with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles.
7. Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn multiple accounting functions, work across functional areas, and provide effective backup and coverage for colleagues.
8. Proficiency with computerized financial systems and enterprise resource planning systems; experience with Colleague is preferred.
9. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to organize, analyze, reconcile, and present financial data effectively.
10. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with financial and non‑financial colleagues throughout the University.
11. Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, work independently, and appropriately escalates significant accounting or control issues.
12. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Candidates for hire will be required to sign a waiver authorizing the background check.