Staff Accountant

University of Saint Joseph; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Saint Joseph is seeking a general accounting professional to support the finance team. The role focuses on routine journal entries, month-end close, and balanced ledger reconciliations, with collaboration across departments to ensure accurate financial reporting.

The position emphasizes accuracy, documentation, and adherence to university policies, and may involve grant accounting oversight and process improvements within a collaborative team setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business with concentration in Accounting or Finance is preferred.
• 1 year of relevant professional accounting experience is preferred.
• Higher education or not-for-profit accounting experience is helpful but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Prepare routine journal entries in line with monthly and year-end closing calendars.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts and analyze balance sheet accounts.
• Support year-end closing and audit reporting processes.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate transaction recording.
• Document processes and recommend improvements for efficiency and controls.
• Assist in monitoring grant accounts and related activity as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Professional demeanor

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business (Accounting/Finance)

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Database management

Windows OS

Mail merge

Internet research

Job description

Responsible for performing various general accounting functions and activities under the direction of the Assistant Controller including, but not limited to, general ledger account reconciliations. Assists in year-end closing and audit reporting. Performs all duties in support of the University's mission.

• Ensures routine journal entries are prepared in accordance with monthly and year-end closing calendars.
• Completes assigned reconciliations monthly by deadlines with supporting documentation and in accordance with departmental standards.
• Prepares assigned account analyses of balance sheet accounts by assigned deadlines. Makes recommendations for adjusting entries.
• Provides documentation and analyses as needed to internal and external auditors by requested deadlines.
• Researches and responds timely to inquiries from university staff. Provides necessary information and acts as a liaison with other administrative departments to ensure accurate recording of all transactions into the general and operating ledgers.
• Documents existing processes and makes appropriate recommendations for process improvements. Recommends ways of improving current procedures and processes.
• May be responsible for monitoring grant accounts, restricted fund activity and with support of accounting team reconciles activity quarterly.
• Works collaboratively with the finance team to improve accounting procedures/controls, and efficiencies through development and implementation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Interprets and applies University and financial accounting policies related to accounting transactions.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred, preferably in Business with a concentration in Accounting or Finance.
• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience preferred.
• Higher education experience/not for profit experience helpful but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and budgets.

Other Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Able to function independently while operating effectively within a team environment
• Possess solid general computer skills, including ability to work in a Windows environment. Proficiency with MS Office Suite, Internet, and other programs as needed (e.g., mail merge, data base management) Familiarity with specific applications used by the University/Department a plus
• Excellent oral and written skills and ability to communicate comfortably with students, colleagues, and external constituents
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex and multiple tasks in a professional and efficient manner
• Exhibits a high level of professionalism, leadership, creative problem solving, diplomacy, negotiation and sales skills, and the ability to manage complex projects with minimal supervision
• Professional, courteous demeanor and appearance; ability to engage positively and work professionally with students, faculty, staff and administration and represent the University professionally to the public
• Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph
• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position, as noted below, with or without reasonable accommodation