Senior Accountant (Hybrid)

Job Information Job ID: 53935 Location: Evanston, Illinois Job Summary The Office of the Controller is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of Northwestern University, providing a wide range of financial services on behalf of and for the University community. Northwestern operates with an annual budget exceeding $3.5 billion, total investments in excess of $15.5 billion, more than $750 million in federal research revenue, land, buildings and equipment of $3.7 billion net, and total long‑term debt outstanding of $2.9 billion. The University has more than 23,000 students enrolled in 12 colleges and schools on three campuses. Its fiscal year ends August 31. Reporting to the Manager, Accounting in the Controller’s Office, the Senior Accountant contributes to the integrity of the general ledger and to the University’s financial reporting. Responsibilities Prepares journal entries and reviews transactions submitted by others. Reconciles balance sheet accounts using BlackLine software. Performs and supervises chart of accounts and chart‑field integrity, supporting Specialists and Accountants. Provides support for the compilation of interim and annual financial statements, including preparing quarterly fund workpapers, variance analysis, and annual report footnotes. Prepares supporting schedules for the external audit and other financial analyses. Monitors ledger integrity through queries and individual transaction review. Contributes to BlackLine system administration (reconciliation and tasks modules), liaising with other members of the Accounting department, the broader finance user community, and Northwestern IT. Serves as a resource for University internal clients and advises users of University policies and procedures, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and external regulations. Partners with University departments and schools to develop best practices or efficiencies. Manages daily, monthly, quarterly and annual financial processes for the area or program. Applies industry and professional standards, interprets university policy and procedure, federal and state laws, granting agency guidelines, and other regulations (as applicable) and recommends accounting policy for the university. Represents and/or guides business area on internal and external financial affairs by recommending alternatives and suggestions. Specific Responsibilities Analysis, Statements & Reporting Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement and balance sheet with pre‑defined analytical financial tools. Recommends changes to tools to improve analysis, forecasting, modeling and reporting and ultimately the quality of financial information and analyses provided to management for planning, evaluating and controlling operations. Establishes proper accounting and audit trails for revenue and expenses related to programs and initiatives. Oversees monthly reconciliation and reports on current financial performance, impact on year‑end forecast and opportunities and risks. Prepares area or program financial statements and regulatory reports. Prepares financial statement and audit workpapers; contributes to annual financial report disclosures as assigned. Performs complex financial account reconciliations, statement analysis and transaction research. Transactions Oversees accurate, efficient and compliant workflow of all transactional processes across areas/units. Provides optimal customer service and financial guidance to areas/units. Oversees processing of all daily financial transactional activity. Reviews status of related university unit accounts and processes; troubleshoots issues as needed. Administration Processes and presents associated data and information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic and spreadsheet tools. Acts as project manager for design and implementation of regulatory and system changes. Manages operation of a computer system or system processes that support the area or program. Training Provides training and support to related university units or program participants. Develops and maintains website content and training materials. Miscellaneous Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Successful completion of a full 4‑year course of study at an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in accounting, business administration, finance or a related major, or an appropriate combination of education and experience. Five years of financial, budgeting and/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience. Minimum Competencies Proficient in MS Office applications (Excel) and accounting software. Strong conceptual understanding of accounting theory and financial systems; proven ability to perform account reconciliations and/or other financial tasks. Familiarity with FASB requirements. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external contacts at all levels. Self‑starter and ability to work independently. Takes initiative to problem‑solve and seek continuous process improvement. Preferred Qualifications CPA‑Certified Public Accountant. Experience with accounting in a non‑profit and/or private university environment. Experience performing or participating in financial audit procedures. Preferred Competencies Experience with PeopleSoft Financials and BlackLine software. Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including knowledge of VLOOKUP, pivot tables and other functions to perform complex data analysis and reconciliations. Benefits At Northwestern, we provide a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for employees and dependents; pre‑tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, visit Work‑Life and Wellness Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Professional Growth & Development Northwestern supports employee career development. If you are interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit to learn more. Equal Opportunity Employer Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. #J-18808-Ljbffr