Senior Accountant — Budget & Audit Champion

Benedictine College; Atchison (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Benedictine College is seeking a Senior Accountant to support financial operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close. The role requires budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring GAAP compliance in a higher education setting.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to work independently within a growing academic environment. Bachelor’s in accounting/finance and at least 5 years of experience are expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit accounting strongly preferred.
• Experience with budgeting, audits, and fund accounting highly desirable.
• Prior experience supporting a new program or organizational startup is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Participate in day-to-day accounting operations for Benedictine College, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end & year-end close processes.
• Assist in the development, monitoring, and analysis of the College’s operating and restricted budgets.
• Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses for leadership review and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, GAAP standards, and applicable federal, state, and accreditation-related financial requirements.
• Support audit preparation, and coordinate with external auditors as needed throughout the entire audit process.
• Maintain accurate general ledger accounts and ensure proper classification of revenues and expenditures.
• Assist in the development and implementation of financial procedures, internal controls, and best practices for Benedictine College.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Prioritization

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance or MBA

CPA certification

Tools

Excel

Ellucian Colleague

Paylocity

Job description

Benedictine College is seeking a Senior Accountant to support financial operations, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close. The role requires budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring GAAP compliance in a higher education setting.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to work independently within a growing academic environment. Bachelor’s in accounting/finance and at least 5 years of experience are expected.