Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Augustana University invites applications for the position of Accountant within the university’s Business Office. This full-time role supports the university’s financial operations through audit preparation, financial reporting, endowment and restricted fund accounting, and technical accounting research. The position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting compliance requirements, and advising campus partners on accounting decisions that advance the university’s strategic goals.

A significant portion of time during late summer and fall is dedicated to preparing and balancing work papers for the annual external financial audits. The role also supports accounting and reporting related to trusts, annuities, endowments, grants, tax returns, scholarships, gifts, and pledges, along with review and implementation of new accounting standards and complex transactions.

We seek a detail-oriented accounting professional who demonstrates strong analytical ability, sound judgment, and the ability to clearly explain accounting concepts to non-accounting colleagues. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, adaptable to new systems and reporting tools, and effective at managing multiple deadlines in a collaborative university environment.

The duties, competencies, and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

• Preparing and balancing audit work papers and schedules for annual external financial audits.
• Supporting accounting and reporting for endowments, restricted funds, and plant funds.
• Assisting with preparation of monthly and annual financial statements.
• Researching and applying accounting treatment for contracts, mergers, acquisitions, bonds, leases, and new accounting pronouncements.
• Maintaining ledger structures, tax coding of restrictions, and account mapping.
• Reviewing fixed assets and capitalization decisions.
• Tracking endowment investments, quarterly income allocations, and annual draw calculations.
• Supporting Form 990 tax return reconciliation and schedule preparation.
• Calculating indirect costs on required cycles.
• Posting and reviewing journal entries and general ledger activity.
• Advising campus employees on proper accounting entries and coding decisions.
• Collaborating with Business Office staff to improve procedures and service delivery.
• Participating in committees and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Five or more years of experience in the following areas:
  • Non-profit accounting experience.
  • Preparing financial statements.
  • Professional experience with general ledgers and tax coding.
• Advanced knowledge of non-profit accounting practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office products.
• Experience with complex accounting systems and databases. Experience with Jenzabar, Raiser’s Edge, Cognos, or similar reporting tools is a plus.
• CPA designation (active license not required) as well as prior public accounting experience is preferred but not required.
• Experience in a large non-profit organization, college or university business office is helpful.

Application Procedure: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants are asked to submit the following materials in one document via our career center portal. For assistance with the application process, please contact View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

• Letter of interest
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.