Senior Accountant (Temporary)

Vanguard University; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA, seeks a Senior Accountant to provide senior-level accounting support within Fiscal Management and Accounting Operations, focusing on monthly financial statements and related reports. The role reports to the Controller and collaborates across campus.

You will lead month-end close, review GL reconciliations, manage reconciliations for other departments, oversee fixed-asset accounting, and assist auditors and tax filings while ensuring policy compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field with significant emphasis in accounting.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including general ledger, reconciliations, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and accounting skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly GAAP financial statements and analyses for the Controller.
• Champion the month-end closing process.
• Review and approve monthly reconciliations of general ledger accounts.
• Oversee reconciliations of other departments’ activities and general ledger postings.
• Work with campus departments to ensure proper fixed-asset accounting.
• Review and approve journal entries prepared by staff.
• Review weekly check runs for accuracy and approvals.
• Support the review of purchase orders.
• Champion the accounting of receivables.
• Coordinate interfaces between accounting systems and external systems.
• Collaborate with auditors on annual external audits.
• Assist the Controller with annual tax returns (Form 990, 990-T).
• Ensure compliance with University policies.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Account reconciliations

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cross-department collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

The Senior Accountant provides senior-level accounting support within Fiscal Management and Accounting Operations, with primary responsibility for the accurate and timely preparation of the University’s monthly financial statements and related financial reports. This position performs complex accounting activities, supports financial reporting and reconciliation processes, and serves as a key accounting resource for the department. The Senior Accountant reports directly to the Controller.

POSITION DUTIES

• Prepare monthly GAAP financial statements and summary analyses, communicating findings to the Controller.
• Champion the month-end closing process.
• Review and approve monthly reconciliations of general ledger accounts.
• Oversee and approve reconciliations of other departments’ activities and general ledger postings, including Advancement, Financial Aid, Conferencing, and Grants.
• Work with other departments across campus to ensure appropriate processes are followed in accounting for fixed assets.
• Review and approve journal entries prepared by Fiscal and Accounting Operations staff.
• Review weekly check runs for accuracy and appropriate approvals.
• Support the review of purchase orders.
• Champion the accounting of receivables.
• Manage the interface between various computer systems for accounting, payroll, and other external systems.
• Collaborate directly with auditors on annual external audits.
• Assist the Controller with the preparation of annual tax returns for the University and Foundation (Form 990, 990-T, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Controller.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field with a significant emphasis in accounting.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience with general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of current Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and accounting skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build strong working relationships with colleagues across departments.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge and acceptance of the mission and principles of Vanguard University.

Preferred

• Threeor more years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience preparing financial statements and supporting month-end and year-end close processes.
• Experience working with external auditors and supporting annual financial audits.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague or a comparable ERP/accounting system.
• CPA or CPA candidate preferred.

SALARY

This is an exempt, full-time, temporaryposition.This temporary position is expected to run from October 1through November 30, based on business needs. Expected Pay Range: $6,750 -7,500 per month.

Placement within the monthly range is commensurate upon education and experience.

EOE Statement Vanguard University is committed to ensure that all candidates have an equitable opportunity to apply for and participate in the selection process. As a university, we hold firm to the application of the reasonable accommodation process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require an accommodation because of a disability in order to participate in any phase of the application process, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call Ken Bott, Sr. Director of Human Resources, at 714-662-5287.

Vanguard University is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind against individuals of race, color, national origin, disability, pregnancy or any other characteristic outlined by federal, state, and local laws. Where permitted by law and in relation to the school's heritage and mission, Vanguard does exercise religious preference throughout the University and therefore employs individuals who are compatible with the institution, mission and statement of faith. This applies to all employment practices within the university. Vanguard is committed to a hiring process that is based on candidate's qualifications, merit, and operational needs of the university.

Category Finance

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt

This position is currently accepting applications.