Senior Accountant (Temporary)

Vanguard University of Southern California; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard University seeks a Senior Accountant to provide senior-level accounting support within Fiscal Management and Accounting Operations. You will prepare monthly GAAP financial statements, lead month-end close, and review reconciliations, reporting to the Controller.

Responsibilities include asset accounting, journal entry oversight, interfacing with multiple systems, supporting auditors, and assisting with tax returns (Form 990). Prior nonprofit or higher education experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field with accounting emphasis.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, incl. GL, reconciliations, month-end close.
• Strong knowledge of current GAAP.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly GAAP financial statements and analyses, and report to the Controller.
• Champion the month-end closing process and ensure accuracy of reports.
• Review and approve monthly reconciliations of general ledger accounts.
• Oversee and approve reconciliations across departments and GL postings.
• Coordinate accounting for fixed assets with campus departments.
• Review and approve journal entries prepared by staff.
• Review weekly check runs for accuracy and approvals.
• Assist in purchase order reviews and receivables accounting.
• Manage interfaces between accounting systems, payroll, and related systems.
• Collaborate with auditors during annual external audits.
• Assist the Controller with income tax returns (Form 990, 990-T, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel

Interpersonal communication

Organization

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Tools

Ellucian Colleague ERP

Job description

Vanguard University

Position Summary

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.

Required

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 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

• Three or 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, temporary position. This temporary position is expected to run from October 1 through 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.