Strategic Budget Accountant – Higher Education

The-University-of-Olivet; Olivet (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Olivet in Olivet, MI, seeks a Senior Budget Accountant to coordinate annual operating and capital budgeting, monitor budgets, and provide data-driven financial analysis for executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

The role reports to the CFO and supports senior financial planning, including forecasts, reconciliations, and internal control improvements. Strong Excel and ERP experience is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive budgeting, financial planning, accounting, or financial analysis experience.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, develop, and improve annual operating and capital budgeting processes.
• Collaborate with department leaders to develop budget projections and financial planning.
• Monitor departmental budgets and perform budget-to-actual variance analyses.
• Assist CFO and leadership with financial reporting for exec leadership and Board of Trustees.
• Maintain budget documentation, financial assumptions, and supporting schedules.
• Reconcile bank accounts as part of month-end close and monitor debt service.

Skills

Budgeting methodology

GAAP

Internal controls

Financial statements

Data analysis

Endowments

Fund accounting

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

The University of Olivet in Olivet, MI, seeks a Senior Budget Accountant to coordinate annual operating and capital budgeting, monitor budgets, and provide data-driven financial analysis for executive leadership and the Board of Trustees.

The role reports to the CFO and supports senior financial planning, including forecasts, reconciliations, and internal control improvements. Strong Excel and ERP experience is required.