Senior Accountant (Endowment Funds)

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking a Senior Accountant for Endowment Funds in the Office of the University Controller. The role focuses on endowment and restricted gift activity, including reconciliations, project setup, and financial close activities.

The successful candidate will analyze data, communicate findings to stakeholders, and provide guidance on endowment accounting practices while supporting monthly and year-end processes in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required.
• Minimum 5 years of professional accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP/GASB and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Maintain endowment investment balances and reconciliations across systems.
• Record endowment spending distributions and restricted gift revenue.
• Establish and maintain restricted and endowment projects and donor documentation.
• Administer endowment pools and record related investment activity.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations and assist with year-end reporting.
• Provide guidance to departments on endowment projects and reporting.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Independent work

GAAP knowledge

Systems thinking

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/related field

5 years accounting experience

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Fundriver

Job description

Position Details

Title: Senior Accountant (Endowment Funds)

Job Category: URA-AFT Administrative

Department: UCO University Accounting

Overview: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Senior Accountant for the Office of the University Controller. Reporting to an Accounting Manager II, this position is responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation, and financial administration of restricted gifts and endowment funds.

Under the direction of the Accounting Manager II, the Senior Accountant performs complex general accounting and project-related functions, with a specialized focus on endowment and restricted gift activity. The position analyzes financial data, prepares and reviews account reconciliations, records and reconciles investment activity, establishes and maintains restricted and endowment projects, and supports month-end and year-end financial close activities.

The Senior Accountant applies specialized accounting knowledge and independent judgment to resolve complex financial issues in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable regulations, University policies and procedures, donor agreements, and established endowment practices. The position works collaboratively with University departments, Rutgers University Foundation, Treasury, Investment Office, and other areas within the University Controller's Office to ensure the accurate and timely administration and stewardship of restricted and endowment funds.

The position works independently within broadly defined objectives and is expected to analyze financial information, identify discrepancies and potential issues, determine appropriate resolutions, and communicate findings and recommendations to appropriate stakeholders. The position also provides guidance and customer service to University departments regarding the establishment, maintenance, accounting, and reporting of restricted and endowment projects.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Maintains accurate endowment investment balances and reconciles transactions and balances among Fundriver, the Oracle General Ledger, Oracle Projects, and Northern Trust.
• Calculates and records endowment spending distributions and restricted gift revenue in accordance with established University policies and donor requirements.
• Establishes and maintains restricted and endowment projects and reviews supporting donor documentation to ensure appropriate stewardship and compliance with donor intent.
• Administers the University's endowment pools and separately invested funds within Fundriver and records related investment activity in the General Ledger.
• Prepares monthly reconciliations of investment activity among the Oracle General Ledger, Fundriver, and Northern Trust and investigates and resolves discrepancies.
• Prepares year-end supplemental schedules, surveys, account analyses, and other financial information required for internal and external reporting.
• Provides accounting guidance and support to University departments regarding restricted and endowment projects, including project setup, maintenance, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Responds to Helpdesk inquiries related to restricted gifts and endowments and resolves or appropriately redirects inquiries based on the nature of the issue.
• Supports month-end, year-end, audit, and financial reporting activities by ensuring transactions and account balances are accurate, supported, and reconciled.
• Interprets and applies University accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and established endowment practices to meet the needs of a diverse client population.

Salary Details: Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, up to a maximum hiring salary of $95,960.

Minimum Salary: 77919.480

Mid Range Salary: 96454.480

Maximum Salary: 114989.480

Benefits: Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Standard Hours: 37.50

Work Arrangement: Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Union Description: URA-AFT Administrative

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility: ABP

Special Conditions:

• May be required to work extended hours during the fiscal year-end closing period and other peak periods throughout the year.
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, subject to approval and operational needs. A regular on-site presence of at least three (3) days per week is required, with additional on-site days as needed. Employees approved for a hybrid work arrangement must reside in NJ, NY, PA or DE and be within a commutable distance of the university.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and understanding of general accounting principles and practices.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a financial/accounting function.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent computer skills including an intermediate to advanced skill level in Excel.
• Proven ability to work independently with good analytical and problem solving skills around accounting analytics and processes.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP/GASB.
• Ability to adapt and/or implement new or improved system processes, procedures and technologies.
• Ability to provide timely and professional customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree/CPA.
• Experience working with an ERP system, Oracle Cloud, Endowment accounting and Fundriver.

Special Conditions:

• May be required to work extended hours during the fiscal year-end closing period and other peak periods throughout the year.
• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, subject to approval and operational needs. A regular on-site presence of at least three (3) days per week is required, with additional on-site days as needed. Employees approved for a hybrid work arrangement must reside in NJ, NY, PA or DE and be within a commutable distance of the university.

Posting Details

• Posting Number: 26ST1827
• Posting Open Date: 10/01/2026
• Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
• Home Location Campus: Off Campus
• City: Piscataway
• State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement