Accountant III

Tennessee State University invites applications for the position of Accountant III. The Accountant III supports the University's accounting, daily bank account reconciliation, cash management, general ledger, financial reporting, audit support, and compliance functions. This position performs advanced accounting work, reviews and reconciles financial activity, prepares reconciliation reports and accounting documentation, researches discrepancies, and helps ensure financial transactions are accurate, timely, properly documented, and aligned with University policies, accounting standards, and internal control requirements. This role works closely with university departments, banks, vendors, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, auxiliary units, State Audit, and General Accounting to support daily financial operations, accurate reporting, audit readiness, and effective stewardship of University resources. Daily Bank Accounts Reconciliation Perform daily reconciliation of bank transactions, cash activity, deposits, credit cards, EFT/ACH, wires, receipts, and related general ledger activity to ensure items clear accurately and timely. Identify, record, research, and resolve reconciling items such as unrecorded deposits, returned checks, bank fees, rejected payments, and other adjustments. Prepare monthly bank reconciliations in accordance with the University's Bank Reconciliation policy. Monitor and manage aging reconciling items, coordinate resolution with departments, banks, and third parties, and prepare reconciliations for management review. General Accounting Duties Prepare and record journal entries with proper documentation, approvals, account coding, and compliance with University policies and accounting standards. Monitor accounting transactions for proper coding and coordinate corrections to ensure accurate financial reporting. Reconcile various general ledger and balance sheet accounts, maintain supporting schedules, and ensure financial transactions are accurately recorded in Banner or other approved systems. Assist in coordinating financial activities related to auxiliary units and support departments with transaction issues, coding errors, missing documentation, pending approvals, and other financial matters. Process payroll-related entries and assist with monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes. Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls Provide documentation, explanations, and support for internal audit, external audit, and State Audit requests, and maintain workpapers in accordance with audit and record retention standards. Assist supervisor in audit responses, including research, documentation, explanations, corrective actions, and follow‑up items as assigned. Review transactions for errors, inconsistencies, unusual activity, or potential control concerns and expedite issues as appropriate. Ensure adherence to internal controls, segregation of duties, approval requirements, confidentiality expectations, and applicable University policies and procedures. Transaction Processing and Operational Support Process and review accounting transactions related to accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger activity, travel, and departmental financial operations. Serve as backup for check runs, ACH activity, wire processing, direct deposit activity, and other banking or payment transactions as assigned. Assist with daily financial operations, transaction processing workflows, auxiliary unit financial activity, and departmental accounting support. Analysis, Communication, and Continuous Improvement Conduct research and analysis to resolve accounting discrepancies, reconciliation issues, transaction variances, and other financial questions. Communicate professionally with departments, vendors, banking partners, State Audit, and other stakeholders to resolve financial matters and respond timely to inquiries. Identify process improvement opportunities and support process documentation, standardization, and special projects. Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned to meet departmental and University financial management objectives. #J-18808-Ljbffr