Senior Accountant (Hybrid)

Senior Accountant

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, including the following:

• Prepares journal entries and reviews transactions submitted by others
• Reconciles balance sheet accounts using BlackLine software
• Performs and supervises chart of accounts & chartfield integrity, supporting Specialists & 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), including 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

Specific responsibilities include:

• Analysis, Statements & Reporting
• Transactions
• Administration
• Training
• Miscellaneous

Minimum qualifications include:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 5 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.

Minimum competencies include:

• 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 perform.
• 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.
• Taking initiative to problem solve and seek continuous process improvement

Preferred qualifications include:

• CPA-Certified Public Accountant
• Experience with accounting in non-profit and/or private university environment
• Experience performing or participating in financial audit procedures

Preferred competencies include:

• Experience with PeopleSoft Financials and BlackLine software
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including knowledge of vlookup, pivot and other functions to perform complex data analysis and reconciliations.

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs.

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. Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status.