Senior Revenue Accountant

Senior Revenue Accountant

OpenStax (an initiative of Rice University) is the world's largest non-profit publisher of open educational resources (OER) and a provider of interactive, research-informed learning technologies for high school and college. We are also the lead organization for the nation's seminal education research infrastructure, SafeInsights. Our mission is to provide amazing learning experiences for every student and instructor. We do this by offering free access to high-quality digital teaching and learning resources that support the teaching and learning journey. Since 2012, OpenStax has created a library of more than 70 free and openly licensed college textbooks that have served millions of students across the globe, resulting in $2.98 billion in student savings. Currently, we are creating interactive, research-informed learning experiences that support heightened student engagement in the learning process. OpenStax seeks to become an organization that continuously strives to learn, reflect, and make actionable, better policies and practices for everyone at work and in education.

SafeInsights is a transformative national education research platform project led by Rice University and OpenStax, in collaboration with top edtech platforms and schools, SafeInsights is redefining the education research landscape by making powerful research accessible for a wide range of scientists, maximizing research's potential to improve learning, and prioritizing the protection of student privacy.

The Senior Revenue Accountant performs complex accounting functions including designing and performing ad hoc analyses, developing and maintaining complex data models, analyzing large data sets, and reconciling complex accounts. They will interact with numerous departments across the University and within the division as they navigate full management of the revenue accounting function for OpenStax business.

The ideal candidate has experience with billing and collections, as well as Saas sales models and the associated reconciliations and GL management. They also have experience working in fast paced environments.

This position is fully remote, with some required tasks taking place in Houston, TX. Therefore, only Houston-based candidates will be considered.

The selected candidate will be expected to equip their own remote work environment to their needs. Rice will provide a laptop computer, up to two monitors, and basic peripherals. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This position is funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding. Current funding is secure through June 30, 2027. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field
• Three or more years of experience in accounting

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency using word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software
• Advanced knowledge of accounting and accounting principles
• Advanced knowledge of accounting systems

Preferences:

• Experience with both large systems and QuickBooks
• Deep knowledge of reconciliation procedures and best practices
• Curiosity to learn and work with numerous teams to find accounting solutions on new revenue streams.

Essential Functions:

• Performs complex and detailed reconciliations, closure processes, research, and critical analyses
• Develops, designs, or modifies solutions for major segments of a program or accounting system; develops, recommends, implements, and documents new or revised policies and procedures
• Identifies, prioritizes, and resolves complex financial issues that may span multiple areas; identifies underlying issues; recognizes exceptions; recommends solutions
• Researches possible solutions and makes recommendations to department leadership based on audit / report reviews and identified accounting issues; advises leadership regarding business activities; provides cost analyses; plans studies; and determines business activity costs
• Develops complex financial data and metrics reports for a variety of internal and external audiences
• Analyzes existing systems and processes; identifies greater efficiencies and improved internal controls opportunities; incorporates new regulations; recommends solutions that may require policy changes or new processes
• May act as subject matter expert or consultant in a specialized area; contributes to and /or leads projects in work area, unit, or across functions
• May act as a lead or technical expert, and provide direction to less experienced accounting staff

Additional Functions:

• Manage revenue reconciliation processes across billing systems, CRM, and ERP to ensure completeness and accuracy of recorded revenue.
• Prepare and post journal entries related to revenue, accounts receivable, and deferred revenue as part of the monthly close process.
• Perform monthly revenue roll forwards and balance sheet reconciliations, including AR and deferred revenue accounts.
• Support SaaS revenue recognition processes in accordance with company policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Investigate and resolve revenue discrepancies between billing platforms, contracts, and the general ledger.