Senior Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: Senior Accountant

DEPARTMENT: Finance and Administration

REPORTS TO: Controller   

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The purpose of the Senior Accountant is to manage and oversee the financial operations and accounting functions of the institution. This position plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, preparing financial reports, and complying with relevant accounting standards. The role is essential in maintaining fiscal responsibility, transparency, and adherence to regulatory requirements within the university's financial framework.  

Under general supervision, performs standard accounting functions such as ledger maintenance, cost analysis, reconciliation, posting, and inventory control. Analyzes financial and operating data and prepares management reports and financial statements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Analyzes and reviews budgets and expenditures for local, state, federal, and private funding, contracts, and grants ensuring compliance with fiscal accountability and reporting and funding requirements.
• Monitors and reviews accounting and related system reports for accuracy and completeness; prepares and reviews budget, revenue, expense, and payroll entries, invoices, and other accounting transactions.
• Analyzes revenue and expenditure trends, recommends appropriate budget levels, and ensures expenditure control.
• Advises and interprets policies to faculty, staff, and outside persons such as vendors and funding source representatives, explains billings and reports, and resolves related problems.
• Develops accounting applications; oversees the input and handling of financial data and reports for the institution's finance and human resources systems.
• May participate in auditing projects, as appropriate to individual operating needs.
• May coordinate the preparation of regularly scheduled and special billings and financial statements for local, state, federal, and private funding sources.
• May prepare accounting entries for pro-ration of indirect costs, letters of credit, salary reallocations, loan transactions, financial aid disbursements, refunds, and repayments.
• May develop, negotiate, and defend a unit's operating budget and consult with management of the unit on the fiscal aspects of program planning, salary recommendations, and other administrative actions.
• This position may provide training, guidance, and task oversight to lower-level accounting staff and/or student employees.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  

• Ability to analyze budgetary expenditures for compliance with funding agencies' budget, policies and procedures. 
• Spreadsheet software skills to quantify and illustrate routine financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections. 
• Account balancing and reconciling skills. 
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications. 
• Ability to effectively communicate accounting information, policies, and/or procedures in a manner easily understood by the customer. 
• Ability to serve on committees which develop accounting policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of university and/or public auditing policies, standards, and procedures. 
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures. 
• Ability to train and provide guidance to assigned staff. 
• Knowledge of current changes and/or developments in applicable federal, state, local laws, and university policies and procedures. 
• Knowledge of University accounting procedures involving procurement, travel, and/or employment. 
• Knowledge of standard and/or fund accounting principles, methods and applications. 
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations. 
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and/or projections.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• This position may provide training, guidance, and task oversight to lower-level accounting staff and/or student employees.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or in a related field including at least 12 credit hours of Accounting;
• 1 to 3 years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Licensing and Certifications: None Required         

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is normally performed in a standard office work environment. 
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, often sitting at a desk, for extended periods.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.