Senior Accountant – Higher Education Finance & Compliance

NACBA; Atchison (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Benedictine College is seeking a Senior Accountant to support its financial operations. The role focuses on maintaining accurate records, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.

Ideal candidates bring strong accounting experience, excellent analysis and communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a growing academic environment. This full-time position reports to the Controller in the Business Office.

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 including journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close.
• Assist in development, monitoring, and analysis of operating and restricted budgets.
• Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and variance analyses for leadership decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support audit preparation and coordinate with external auditors.
• Maintain general ledger accounts and proper revenue/expenditure classifications.
• Develop and implement financial procedures and internal controls.
• Process and review grants, reimbursements, procurement, and expense reporting.
• Collaborate with finance to align with college-wide reporting standards.
• Provide financial guidance to department leadership and staff.
• Assist in Form 990 preparation and support tax returns with external accountants.
• Act as insurance liaison and support risk management activities.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Financial systems (Ellucian Colleague)

Paylocity

Written communication

Verbal communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Master’s degree (preferred)

CPA (progress toward)

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Paylocity

Job description

Benedictine College is seeking a Senior Accountant to support its financial operations. The role focuses on maintaining accurate records, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.

Ideal candidates bring strong accounting experience, excellent analysis and communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a growing academic environment. This full-time position reports to the Controller in the Business Office.