Accountant

With a beautiful campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Aquinas College offers an exceptional work environment with hybrid and flexible schedules available you to enjoy work-life balance, a supportive team and an excellent selection of affordable benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans.

Full time employees receive four weeks of paid vacation each year in addition to paid holidays, paid sick time and college-paid life, disability and AD&D insurance. 

Aquinas employees and their dependents are also eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment and as well as access to tuition exchange programs.

The Accountant supports the activities of the Business Office with a primary focus on payroll administration and related accounting functions. This position is responsible for accurate and timely payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, benefit reconciliations, and financial reporting. The role contributes to the monthly and annual accounting cycles, assists with audits and compliance reporting, and supports budget monitoring and grant reporting. The Accountant also serves as a backup for accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, helping to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient financial operations across the College.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations, including contributions, pledges, balance sheet accounts, bank accounts, and investment statements.

• Lead the month-end close process to ensure timely and accurate reporting.

• Prepare the monthly sales tax return.

• Assist with 1099 and 990 reporting.

• Assist with the year-end financial statement audit and closing process.

• Support the annual budgeting process and monitor budgets throughout the year.

• Monitor and report on federal, state, and private grant activity.

• Prepare unclaimed property filings in accordance with state requirements.

Compliance & Support Functions

• Maintain budget manager access within the College’s financial systems.

• Ensure compliance with institutional credit card policies.

• Serve as backup for accounts payable and accounts receivable processing.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Business Office and College operations.

Payroll & Benefits

• Process biweekly and monthly payrolls accurately and on schedule.

• Process payroll corrections and tax adjustments.

• Generate and distribute payroll reports as needed.

• Reconcile benefit invoices with payroll records.

• Maintain and update compensation projections.

• Prepare documentation for the annual worker’s compensation audit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required.

• Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in accounting and payroll, or a combination of education and experience commensurate with position requirements.

• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, payroll tax compliance, and benefit accounting.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in financial recordkeeping.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Experience with ADP and/or Ellucian Colleague preferred; experience with other payroll or ERP systems accepted.

• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be able to function effectively in a busy environment with frequent interruptions.

• Constant use of computer and telephone.

• Occasional lifting of 20–35 pounds.

MISSION, VISION, VALUES:

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community.  Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community.  In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of “appreciative inquiry” to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.