Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Reporting to the accounting of the University's property, plant & equipment, capital projects, leases, long-term and other debt, The Refectory restaurant accounting and reconcilement, and a variety of general accounting and financial functions, ensuring accurate and timely recording and reporting of financial data in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles. The individual in this position works with appropriate functional areas to review, and develop, policies and procedures, to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, as well as University business processes and internal controls. The Senior Accountant will assist in developing financial reports to use in reviewing financial performance, as well as assist departments by providing custom reports and access to financial system data as needed. The position will maintain strong functional knowledge of the University's financial information system, assist in testing new system functionality and upgrades, and provides support and training to the University community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Property Plant and Equipment (PP&E): Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University's property, plant and equipment in accordance with GAAP. On a monthly basis, review departmental purchases to identify those expenditures that should be capitalized in accordance with the University's PP&E policy. Ensure that work-papers (electronic) are maintained for all assets created, especially PP&E purchases from government grant and other external funds. Ensure the physical tagging of assets is performed, either as part of the annual physical inventory or by the department. Also maintain the accounting and detailed records of capital projects, noting those that are donor-funded. Work with the Facilities Management Office throughout the year to determine capitalization and timing of projects. On a monthly basis, ensure that all appropriate assets and projects are capitalized accurately and timely, records contain appropriate documentation, ensure the accuracy of depreciation calculations, and the fixed asset system reconciles to the financial statements. It is imperative that proper documentation is maintained, and responsibilities and reconciliations are performed on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, in a timely, accurate and detail-oriented manner.
• Leases: Support the accounting related to the University's leases in accordance with GAAP. Coordinate with external service providers to share new lease agreements, changes in existing leases (amendments), etc. for inclusion in lease accounting software. On a quarterly basis, book lease accounting entries and reconcile balances. On an annual basis, support the development of the year-end footnotes related to leases.
• Bonds: Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University's long-term and other debt in accordance with GAAP. On a monthly basis, reconcile the G/L to the third-party custodian statements, making required journal entries as necessary, book entries related to debt service, and coordinate the reimbursement and reconciliation of the Construction Fund (as applicable). Throughout the year, ensure that bond principal and interest payments are made timely and agree to expected payments per the Debt Service Payments projection. Ensure that the amortization of costs of issuance and original issuance premium / discount are booked appropriately, reconciling any additional entries needed when issuances have fully matured. Work with management to track the expenditures related to the construction fund and analyze projections vs. actuals. It is imperative that proper documentation is maintained, and responsibilities and reconciliations are performed on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, in a timely, accurate and detail-oriented manner.
• Various Month-End tasks and entries are to be performed timely and accurately related to areas of responsibility and other assigned balance sheet accounts. All entries need to be completed and reconciliations provided for review and approval, by stated deadlines. Specific tasks include but are not limited to: Funding Transfers for Projects funded from Operations. Funding Transfers for Projects funded from Donor Funds. Accrue bond issues interest expense. PA Sales Tax & State and Local Hotel Occupancy Taxes. Prepares/processes monthly general ledger period close transactions; prepares and distributes monthly management reports. Maintain and perform account analyses and reconciliations of assigned balance sheet accounts. PA withholding taxes filed quarterly.
• Various Year-End tasks and entries related to areas of responsibility, and reconciliation and analysis of assigned accounts. Provides requested information to external auditors as assigned per the annual financial statement, Uniform Guidance, and NCAA audits.
• Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University's on-campus restaurant, The Refectory. The third party operating the restaurant will provide monthly accounting reports on restaurant operations, which will need to be reconciled and booked in the University's financial system. Reconciling of the related University-owned Refectory bank account will need to be completed on a monthly basis, accurately and timely. Coordination and communication with the management company operating The Refectory will need to be handled professionally and timely.
• Works with Financial Affairs leadership team, and University administrative and academic Financial Managers, to develop customized financial reports to support operations and decision making.
• Maintains and develops knowledge of the University's financial systems, assists in testing upgrades and new accounting-related functionality, analyzes system-related issues, and works with appropriate functional and technical staff on problem resolutions.
• Assists with training University-wide staff to understand available financial system functions, basic budget reporting, and transaction review. Provide support and field questions from other members of the University regarding the University's ERP Finance system and Accounting functions. Able to effectively communicate University policies and procedures to University community relating to PP&E and leases.
• Preparation of Federal tax forms 1042-S, with assistance from the Assistance Controller and Bursar. Provide data to third party service providers for review of accuracy and tax form preparation. Ensure tax payments are made accurately and in a timely manner.
• Other accounting tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Formal Education: Bachelor's Degree required, with a major in accounting, finance, or business administration. CPA preferred but not required. 3 years of accounting experience, preferably in a university or similar environment; including in-depth knowledge of enterprise-wide accounting/administrative applications.
• Specific Job Knowledge: Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, especially in a not-for-profit higher education environment. Working knowledge of managerial accounting, reporting, and control. Knowledge of fund accounting concepts preferred. Experience with enterprise financial software (experience using Ellucian Banner is desirable). Experience with customized report writing.
• As relating to job responsibilities, keep up with new technology and new accounting pronouncements. Strong knowledge of current Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, and perform complex analysis using advanced spreadsheet functions and/or other analysis tools.
• Work Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated aptitude in accounting, accuracy, and ability to work independently under general supervision. Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and effectively prioritize work in a deadline-driven environment is critical. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) financial and technical information to diverse audiences with varying levels of financial understanding. Ability to establish and develop effective working relationships within a large, complex organization. Ability to adapt to new software and policy/procedure changes implemented to better manage job duties and time allocation. Equipment Knowledge: Standard office equipment, including PC and common software packages.

Preferred Qualifications:

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: N/A

Special Message to Applicants:

Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range is $71,700-89,600. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade: 16

Job Classification: exempt