Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant

Join the Ramily! Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolinaknown as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Position Summary: Are you a financial professional who is passionate about higher education and student success? Join the Ramily! Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is seeking a Senior Accountant. The Senior Accountant is responsible for the oversight, financial management, and compliance of Winston-Salem State University's restricted accounts, including endowments, scholarships, sponsored gifts, and donor-restricted funds (including WSSU Foundation funds). This role ensures accurate financial reporting, regulatory and donor compliance, and effective stewardship of restricted resources in alignment with University and UNC System policies, as well as applicable state, federal, and donor guidelines. The Senior Accountant will collaborate with Advancement, the WSSU Foundation, academic units, and external auditors to ensure funds are managed with transparency, integrity, and efficiency.

Responsibilities of the Senior Accountant:

• Financial Oversight & Reporting
• Manage accounting, reconciliation, and financial reporting for all restricted and endowed funds.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on restricted fund activity for senior leadership, Advancement, and the WSSU Foundation.
• Ensure timely posting and reconciliation of revenues, expenditures, transfers, and investment earnings.
• Partner with the Controller's Office to prepare required financial statements, schedules, and disclosures related to restricted assets.
• May utilize financial software to account for Foundation financial activity and complete monthly bank and investment statement reconciliations.

• Compliance & Stewardship
• Ensure all restricted funds are administered in accordance with donor intent, university policy, UNC System guidelines, and applicable legal/regulatory requirements.
• Oversee endowment spending calculations, payout schedules, and monitoring of fund balances.
• Serve as primary point of contact for internal and external audits of restricted accounts.
• Monitor compliance with grant and gift agreements, ensuring expenditures meet donor restrictions.

• Collaboration & Process Improvement
• Partner with University Advancement and the WSSU Foundation to strengthen stewardship reporting to donors.
• Provide financial guidance to academic and administrative units on the appropriate use of restricted funds.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to scholarships, endowment payouts, and gift-funded initiatives.
• Develop and improve financial controls, processes, and reporting tools to enhance efficiency and accountability.

• Leadership & Communication
• May supervise staff assigned to restricted fund management.
• Present fund performance and compliance updates to University leadership and Board/Foundation committees as needed.
• Educate stakeholders across campus on restricted fund management best practices and compliance requirements.

Position Information

Position Number - 117013

Working Position Title - Senior Accountant

Building and Room No. - 1604-B Lowery St.

Appointment Type - Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited. - No

Appointment Length. - N/A

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies - Not Mandatory

Normal Work Schedule - Mon-Fri 8:00 am 5:00 pm (during year end, occasional evenings and weekends)

Department Required Skills - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. At least 4 years of progressive financial management experience, with preference for experience in higher education, foundations, or nonprofit fund accounting. Strong knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and endowment/gift fund management practices. Demonstrated experience preparing financial reports, audits, and reconciliations. High attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education - Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Experience with UNC System financial policies, state fund accounting, or similar higher education frameworks. Familiarity with donor stewardship practices and Advancement/Foundation partnerships.

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License - No

Commercial Driver's License Required - No

Physical Required - No

List any other medical/drug tests required