Staff Accountant

Chowan University; Murfreesboro (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Chowan University is seeking a Staff Accountant to support the accounting operations and maintain accurate financial records. You will assist with reconciliation, journal entries, and monthly/annual financial reporting under the Senior Accounting Officer or VP for Business Affairs.

You will contribute to grants, endowments, restricted funds, and other accounting activities, ensuring GAAP compliance and accuracy across university financials while providing backup to related functions as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of accounting principles and GAAP.
• Experience with financial reporting and account reconciliations.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP software systems.
• Strong analytical and detail-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work with multiple departments and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly bank statement preparation and GL reconciliations.
• Perform banking functions, deposits, transfers, and cash flow forecasting.
• Prepare and post journal entries in accordance with GAAP.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare schedules and reports for internal financial reporting.
• Assist in analyzing financial statements and management reports.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

GL accounting

Account reconciliations

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/related field

Tools

ERP software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant supports the University's accounting operations by maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reconciliations, recording financial transactions, and assisting with monthly and annual financial reporting. Working under the direction of the Senior Accounting Officer, this position performs a variety of accounting functions that support the financial integrity and efficient operation of the Business Office.

The Staff Accountant is also responsible for providing accounting support to the University's Accounts Payable and Student Accounts/Accounts Receivable functions. This support includes reconciliations, account research, transaction review, financial reporting support, and assisting with the resolution of discrepancies. The Staff Accountant does not have primary responsibility for Accounts Payable or Student Accounts/Accounts Receivable but provides backup and accounting support as directed by the Senior Accounting Officer or VP for Business Affairs. The position also supports restricted funds, grants, endowments, fixed assets, auxiliary operations, the University's Purchase Card program, audits, budgets, and other accounting activities. The Staff Accountant plays an important role in ensuring that financial information is accurate, complete, timely, and properly recorded in accordance with GAAP and University policies.

Essential Functions

• Assist with preparation and reconciliation of monthly bank statements and general ledger accounts.
• Performs a majority of the banking functions, make deposits, reconcile deposits between the bank and the ledger, makes transfers, maintains records on cash flow to maintain adequate bank balances and prepares cash flow forecasts
• Prepare and post journal entries in accordance with GAAP and University policies.
• Assist with the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare supporting schedules and reports for internal financial reporting.
• Assist with the preparation and analysis of financial statements and management reports.
• Maintain accounting records for grants, restricted funds, endowment activities, and other designated funds.
• Track and record fixed asset acquisitions, disposals, transfers, and depreciation.
• Reconcile auxiliary accounts such as housing, dining, bookstore, athletics, and other auxiliary operations.
• Provide financial data, schedules, and analysis to support audits, budgets, and management reporting.
• Assist with audit schedules and supporting documentation requested by the Senior Accounting Officer or auditors.
• Assist with reconciliation of Accounts Payable activity to the general ledger.
• Provide accounting support to the Accounts Payable function by researching account coding, transactions, discrepancies, and other accounting-related issues.
• Assist with reconciliation of Student Accounts/Accounts Receivable activity to the general ledger.
• Provide accounting support to the Student Accounts/Accounts Receivable function by researching account differences, transaction activity, deposits, and other accounting-related issues.
• Assist with the reconciliation of student receivables, cash receipts, and related general ledger accounts.
• Provide backup assistance to Accounts Payable and Student Accounts/Accounts Receivable when needed to maintain continuity of Business Office operations.
• Assist with the review and investigation of unusual or questionable account activity.
• Assist with maintaining documentation supporting internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Provide requested financial information and supporting documentation to University departments.
• Assist in identifying process improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and internal control within the Business Office.
• Maintain confidentiality of student, employee, and University financial information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Accounting Officer or VP for Business Affairs.

Required Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and account reconciliations.
• Knowledge of general ledger accounting and internal control practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting/ERP software systems.
• Strong analytical and quantitative reasoning skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational ability.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to research and resolve discrepancies.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Accounting, Accounts Payable, Student Accounts/Accounts Receivable, Financial Aid, and other University departments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial and student information appropriately.
• Commitment to accuracy, integrity, and professional ethics.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• One to three years of accounting experience preferred.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting preferred.
• Familiarity with fund accounting and grant accounting preferred.
• Understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Experience with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with account reconciliations and general ledger accounting preferred.