Senior Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To:  Controller

Employment Type:  Full-Time 

FLSA Status:  Exempt 

Position Summary 

The Senior Accountant ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the university’s financial records. This position supports the Finance Office through advanced accounting work, oversees complex reconciliations, manages revenue recognition processes, and supports financial analysis, reporting and compliance. The Senior Accountant collaborates across departments, assists with audits, and contributes to continuous improvement of financial systems and procedures.

A resume and cover letter are required components of the application for this position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following.

Financial Reporting & General Ledger

• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and month end close activities

• Maintain the general ledger in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards

• Assist in preparing quarterly and annual financial statements

• Analyze variances and trends to support management decision making

• Other duties as assigned

Revenue Recognition

• Oversee revenue recognition for tuition, fees, housing, dining, and other revenue streams

• Ensure revenue is recorded in accordance with ASC 606 and nonprofit accounting standards.

• Monitor deferred revenue balances and process timely revenue releases

• Partner with Student Financial Services to validate billing, adjustments, and refunds

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Cash Management

• Oversee complex AP/AR transactions and ensure proper coding and documentation

• Monitor cash activity and support cash-flow reporting

• Review and approve transactions prepared by junior accounting staff

• Reconcile student accounts receivable and accounts payable subledgers to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.

Audit & Internal Controls

• Serve as a key liaison during annual external audits

• Prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries

• Review work prepared by Staff Accountants while ensuring no single individual controls an entire financial process

• Recommend and implement improvements to internal controls and accounting procedures

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain accounting system data integrity and support system upgrades

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows

Position Requirements 

Minimum Qualifications 

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience

• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles

• Proficiency with accounting software and Excel

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications 

• CPA or progress toward CPA

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations

• Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Ellucian, Workday, Jenzabar, Blackbaud)

Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and ability to use accounting principles, practices and procedures including governmental accounting, and computerized accounting systems.

• Must be able to read and comprehend written instructions.

• Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Must be able to work independently, respect confidentiality and maintain courtesy in dealing with students, vendors, faculty, staff and visitors.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

• Must have a high attention to detail and accuracy

• Must have the ability to manage multiple deadlines

• Must have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills

• Must have a strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical financial stewardship

• Must have a collaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements 

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. The position requires the ability to sit, stand, hear, and see continuously, and to walk, write, and type frequently. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Conditions of Employment

• Must successfully pass a background check.

How to Apply

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via the “To Apply” link on Baldwin Wallace University’s Employment and Careers webpage. We appreciate all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, meeting applicable pre-employment requirements, and compliance with University and departmental policies, including completion of required training.

B aldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. At BW, we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom, within extracurricular activities and as we engage our community partners.