Staff Accountant

Lesley University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to support core accounting functions and accounts payable in our Finance department.

You will perform balance sheet reconciliations, prepare journal entries in compliance with GAAP, and assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, internal controls, and audit readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in grant preparation or grant-related financial support.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
• Strong communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and prepare journal entries.
• Assist with month-end, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Support accounts payable, including processing invoices and reconciling vendor statements.
• Collaborate with FP&A and Advancement teams to improve financial reporting.
• Ensure data integrity and support audit readiness.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP knowledge

Grant accounting

Communication skills

Project management

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

Ellucian Colleague

Job description

The OpportunityLesley University is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our Finance department. This role is responsible for core accounting functions, with a secondary responsibility for accounts payable. Primary duties include balance sheet reconciliations, preparation of journal entries in accordance with GAAP and institutional policies, and support of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes. The Staff Accountant plays a key role in maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the University’s financial data, while supporting successful audit outcomes and adherence to internal controls. Responsibilities related to accounts payable include maintaining invoice documentation in the ERP system (Ellucian Colleague), reconciling vendor statements, and processing invoices and payments in a timely manner, as well as performing disbursement testing and other administrative tasks as assigned.The Staff Accountant will collaborate cross-functionally with FP&A and Advancement teams to support financial reporting, strengthen accounting processes, and ensure data integrity. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to accuracy in handling financial data, including cash receipts, balance sheet accounts, and other key records.Qualities and CapabilitiesA successful candidate will have:Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.Minimum of three+ years of experience in grant preparation, research, program organization, or grant related financial support functions.Advanced proficiency in business and accounting systems, including advanced Excel skills.Ability to interpret and apply advanced accounting knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).Demonstrates knowledge of accounting principles, financial systems, and internal controls.Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences and client groups.Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute to a multi-functional team.Why LesleyLocated in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills.Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.Expressing InterestA letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people - regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws - can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity's webpage for the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.Base Pay Range: $81,655 - $92,790 annually