Senior Accountant

About the Opportunity

The Senior Accountant maintains the College’s general ledger and accounting records and is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, validity, and completeness of all financial transactions.  Prepares reconciliations of the general ledger account balances to the supporting subsidiary ledgers and other source records. Assists with the month and year-end close processes and with the preparation of schedules necessary for the year-end audit. The Senior Accountant also processes all requests for payment and generates disbursements on a weekly schedule, researches and resolves A/P problems on a timely basis and posts all procurement card expense reports. 

Key Responsibilities

•   Prepare necessary journal entries for the month and year-end close process. Verify the accuracy, validity and completeness of the entries received from other departments to the general ledger.  Identify problems and potential solutions to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. 

• Prepare and run customized reports for the College Community as needed to facilitate budgeting and planning. 

• Reconcile the bank statements, outstanding checks and general ledger accounts on a monthly basis.  Make corresponding journal entries to record activity or to correct any discrepancies found. 

• Perform general ledger recalculations and maintenance within the accounting software, which includes account and business officer set up. 

• Assist with preparation of annual tax exempt returns, Form 990 and Form 990-T. 

• Process invoices for payment through check, ACH, Wire, or Credit Card.  

• Assist with inquires related to payables, vendor disputes, etc.  

• Accurately complete all College 1099’s on an annual basis. 

• Reconcile and review Procurement card purchases and expense reports. 

• Alert leadership to any questionable payment requests or documentation from various departments. 

• Ensure that invoices at year-end are put in proper fiscal year and provide copies of invoices for necessary accruals. 

• Complete and distribute invoices for applicable funds, mainly restricted grant accounts.   

• Maintain, review, and reconcile all endowed funds on a monthly basis. 

• Maintain the fixed asset software and spreadsheets, which includes the capitalization and depreciation of assets. 

• Assist the Controller with the month and year-end close of the general ledger, which includes the preparation of director’s report packages and summary level reports for management and reviewing departmental balances for overages or discrepancies. 

• Process month end reports from software for month end reconciliations. 

• Monitor prepaid expenses/accruals on a monthly basis for necessary adjustments and update spreadsheets which track these expenses. 

• Prepare various schedules and financial reports as required to support the College’s independent auditors. Assist in the completion of the annual financial statement, A-133, IAG and other audits. 

• Develop and maintain other analytical spreadsheets as required. 

• Assist in the coordination of annual budget requests, upload of the final budgets to the accounting software and generate summary reports for review and analysis. 

• Completion of Finance Office surveys and Key Operating Data Annual Report. 

• Ensure the College’s accounting policies and practices are in accordance with GAAP. 

• Prepare and scan all appropriate documentation in applicable imaging software. 

• Maintain file copies of all supporting financial records and issued reports. 

• Maintain file copies of grants, other external funding agreements, and contracts to which the College is a party. 

• Other duties as assigned by leadership. 

What We're Looking For

Education and Training 

• Bachelor's degree in accounting (or equivalent experience) required with knowledge of GAAP. 

• Not-for-Profit/Higher Education experience preferred. 

• Advanced spreadsheet skills on Microsoft Excel, Access and Powersoft InfoMaker. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities 

• Working knowledge of not-for-profit accounting standards and financial issues pertinent to higher education institutions. 

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines. 

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and efficiency. 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written. 

• Able to react and adapt to changing situations appropriately. 

• Strong commitment to and focus on customer service. 

• Commitment to confidentiality and integrity of systems and processes. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Able to communicate both verbally and in writing with or without the use of auxiliary devices. 

• Able to sit up to 90% of the working day and have sufficient dexterity to operate personal computer, printer, and other office equipment. 

• Able and available to work outside of normal business hours to meet College obligations. 

What We Offer

• Be Part of a Purpose-Driven Community: Your work will help create a safe, beautiful, and inviting campus that supports learning, leadership, and civic engagement.  

• Work in a Unique Setting: Our campus is a certified arboretum, offering the opportunity to care for a diverse collection of trees and green spaces in a historic and inspiring environment.  

• Comprehensive Benefits: In addition to health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, we offer a unique tuition benefit for employees and their families. While Cedar Crest is a women’s college, men can access certain classes on campus and others at partner institutions, making this benefit flexible and valuable for all.  

• Support for Growth: We encourage professional development and provide training opportunities for team members.  

• Campus Culture: Cedar Crest is a place where your story is valued. We see you, and we’re here to help you shape your future.  

How to Apply

Pease submit:  

• Current resume  

• Cover letter highlighting your relevant experience  

• Contact information for three professional references