The Senior Accountant is responsible for performing advanced professional accounting work in support of the College’s financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and effective stewardship of institutional and public funds. This position analyzes complex financial transactions and statements; prepares financial reports, forecasts, and supporting documentation; and maintains accounting records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, and fund accounting requirements.
Work involves examining, reconciling, interpreting, and reporting financial data across multiple funds, programs, and accounts, including state, grant, and restricted funding sources. The Senior Accountant supports the preparation of institutional financial reports, audits, and year-end processes, including contributions to the Annual Financial Report, and ensures consistency and compliance with applicable regulations and reporting standards.
This role may oversee or coordinate accounting functions related to specific programs or funds, and may provide guidance or supervision to technical, administrative, or support staff. The Senior Accountant collaborates with internal departments and external entities—including auditors, state agencies, and funding organizations—to ensure accurate reporting and effective financial controls.
Work is performed with a high degree of independence within established guidelines, with general supervision received from Vice President of Finance and Administration Performance is evaluated based on accuracy, compliance, timeliness, and the effectiveness of financial reporting and internal controls.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: - Prepares and analyzes complex financial statements, reports, and forecasts to support institutional decision-making, including reports for senior leadership, governing boards, state agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Maintains and ensures the integrity of the College’s accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting systems, including fund, grant, and project accounting in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
- Performs advanced analysis, reconciliation, and review of financial transactions across multiple funds (e.g., state, grants, restricted, auxiliary), ensuring accuracy and proper classification.
- Prepares, reviews, and posts complex journal entries, adjustments, and corrections; investigates discrepancies and implements resolutions.
- Supports the preparation of annual financial statements and audit schedules, including contributions to the Annual Financial Report; serves as a key contact during audits.
- Monitors compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations; researches and applies accounting guidance as needed.
- Develops financial projections, budget analyses, and variance reports to support planning and resource allocation.
- Designs, generates, and reconciles detailed financial reports (e.g., fund balance sheets, operating statements, cash flow reports, aging reports, fixed asset schedules, grant activity).
- Evaluates and improves accounting processes, internal controls, and financial systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
- Assesses financial risks and implements procedures to strengthen internal controls and accountability.
- Collaborates with campus departments, leadership, auditors, and external agencies to provide financial guidance and ensure compliance.
- Oversees cost analysis activities, including allocation of direct and indirect costs, and supports financial feasibility analyses.
- Utilizes financial systems (e.g., ERP systems such as Ellucian Colleague) to maintain data integrity and produce accurate reporting.
- Provide grant accounting and other accounting support to Thaddeus Stevens Foundation, as needed
- Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor
- Maintain compliance with all College policies and procedures
*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Other Duties and Responsibilities: - Leads or participates in cross-functional projects related to financial operations, system implementations, or process improvements.
- Prepares correspondence, guidance materials, or training related to accounting practices and procedures.
- May supervise, train, and evaluate professional, technical, or administrative staff; assigns and reviews work as needed.
- Assists in the design, implementation, or enhancement of financial systems, reporting tools, or automation processes.
- Provides support for specialized analyses or ad hoc reporting requests from departments or leadership.
- Performs other related duties as assigned in support of the College’s financial operations and strategic initiatives.
- Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor
- Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures
Supervisory Responsibilities: - Assigns, prioritizes, and reviews work to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable standards and policies.
- Provides guidance and support to staff on accounting procedures, systems, and internal controls.
- Assists in onboarding and training of new employees within the accounting function.
- Contributes to performance management processes, including feedback, coaching, and development planning.
- Ensures adherence to institutional policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities: Knowledge:
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards (GASB), and fund accounting practices applicable to higher education.
- Knowledge of accounting methods and practices, including financial reporting, reconciliations, capital assets, and internal controls.
- Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (e.g., Ellucian Colleague), including data integrity and reporting functionality.
- Knowledge of cost accounting principles, including the allocation of direct and indirect costs.
- Knowledge of internal control concepts, audit processes, and state and federal higher education financial compliance requirements.
- Knowledge of standard office practices and business processes related to financial operations.
Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and reconcile complex financial data from multiple sources and systems to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Ability to research, compile, and prepare detailed financial reports, statements, and projections.
- Ability to evaluate and test the effectiveness of accounting controls and recommend improvements.
- Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and resolve complex accounting discrepancies.
- Ability to develop, implement, and improve accounting processes, procedures, and controls.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including explaining complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal departments, leadership, auditors, and external agencies.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: - Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, including at least 15–24 credits in accounting; and
- Two (2) years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a higher education environment;
OR
- Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, preferably in a higher education environment, and at least 15 accounting credits;
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience, including at least two (2) years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a higher education environment, and 24 accounting credits.
Substitutions:
- Four (4) years of bookkeeping or related financial experience in a higher education environment and 15 accounting credits may substitute for a degree.
A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands:- Physical Requirements:
- Ability to remain in a stationary position (seated) for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
- Frequent use of a computer, including keyboarding, mouse use, and viewing a computer monitor.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to occasionally move about the office and campus to attend meetings or access files and equipment.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and telephones.
- Ability to lift, carry, or move items up to 10 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, reports, office materials).
- Work Environment:
- Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment within a higher education setting.
- This position may require occasional attendance at meetings across campus.
- Work involves extended periods of concentration, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- May require occasional extended hours during peak periods such as fiscal year-end, audits, or reporting deadlines.
The College is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
