Accountant

Accountant-WV Higher Education Policy Commission-Kanawha Co.General Job Summary: The Accountant performs professional and technical accounting work in support of the agency's financial operations. Responsibilities include financial reporting, debt administration, financial aid accounting, budget monitoring, reconciliations, regulatory reporting, audit support, payroll accounting and other general accounting activities. This position exercises independent judgment in carrying out recurring assignments and requires strong analytical skills, initiative, attention to detail, and knowledge of governmental accounting principles. The Accountant is responsible for ensuring financial transactions are accurate, timely, compliant with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and accounting standards, and appropriately charged to designated funding sources. Depending on operational needs and assigned responsibilities, the Accountant may oversee designated financial processes or serve as a trained backup to provide support and ensure continuity of operations during absences, peak workloads, and other periods of organizational need. The position collaborates with internal staff, educational institutions, state agencies, auditors, and other stakeholders to support effective financial management and reporting.Job Duties and Responsibilities:Financial Accounting, Reporting, and Reconciliations (40%)Prepare and maintain accurate accounting records, journal entries, reconciliations, workpapers, and supporting documentation.Assist with the preparation of annual financial statements, notes, schedules, reports, and other financial disclosures.Prepare and review financial spreadsheets, analyses, charts, summaries, and management reports.Ensure financial transactions are accurately recorded and classified in accordance with applicable accounting standards, agency policies, and funding requirements.Assist with budget preparation, monitoring, analysis, and periodic financial reporting.Research, analyze, and resolve accounting discrepancies and recommend corrective actions as needed.Debt Administration, Financial Aid, and Specialized Financial Programs (25%)Prepare debt service calculations, reports, payments, and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with debt agreements and reporting requirements.Assist with debt-related financial statements, disclosures, audit documentation, and bond reporting requirements.Prepare allocation summaries and transfer documents associated with state appropriations and funding distributions.Administer and support financial aid disbursement processes, including payment processing, authorizations, reconciliations, refunds, and related financial transactions.Collaborate with Financial Aid staff and participating institutions to verify eligibility, resolve discrepancies, and ensure accurate accounting and reporting.Compliance, Regulatory Reporting, and Audit Support (20%)Gather, prepare, analyze, and submit information for higher education surveys, legislative requests, fiscal notes, and other regulatory reporting requirements.Prepare calculations, schedules, and supporting documentation required for state, federal, and external reporting.Assist with audit preparation and responses by compiling records, schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, agency policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.Support agency responses to financial inquiries, information requests, and reporting obligations.Financial Operations, Administrative Support, and Special Projects (15%)Enter, review, and approve travel, expenditure, deposit, and other financial transactions in wvOASIS for compliance, accuracy, and proper accounting distribution.Provide administrative, technical, and project support to facilitate efficient operations within the Division of Finance & Facilities.Serve as a backup for assigned accounting and financial functions to ensure continuity of operations.Assist management and finance staff with special projects, financial analyses, operational initiatives, and routine accounting matters.Support payroll and budgeting by reviewing funding sources, budget adjustments, and personnel expenditures to ensure costs are accurately recorded and charged to the appropriate accounts.Minimum QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance or related field required. An associate degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field plus at least three years of recent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree. Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:Strong mathematical, analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.Ability to interpret financial information, identify discrepancies, and recommend or implement appropriate corrective actions.Ability to manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, and meet recurring deadlines.General understanding of federal, state, and local regulations.Knowledge of generally accepted accounting and auditing principles and practices.Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, practices, methods, and techniques.Understanding of internal controls, financial reconciliation, and accurate accounting distribution.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.Ability to foster teamwork, positively influence others, and work cooperatively and effectively, both independently and as part of a team.Skill in operating computer software and programs related to accounting. Proficient ability to use various software products such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Access, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:Experience using the State of West Virginia's accounting and fiscal system (wvOASIS).At least one year of recent relevant work experience.BenefitsJob not in the classified service. See the hiring agency for a description of benefits.