Senior Staff Accountant

Job Description SummaryThis position supports the accounting and financial management of University-related expenses, including preparing journal entries, general ledger account reconciliations, and revenue and expense monitoring. The Sr. Staff Accountant will interact with financial data, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of postings while maintaining the utmost confidentiality of sensitive information and other duties as assigned. The Sr. Staff Accountant position is distinguished from the Staff Accountant position by its responsibility for complex financial analysis, advanced technical accounting and fund management knowledge, independent judgement in resolving accounting issues, and leadership of financial reporting, reconciliation, compliance, and process improvement initiatives across the University. This position reports to the Director of Accounting. Chapman University’s mission is centered on serving our students and strengthening our campus community. Chapman believes there is significant value in an in-person workforce. Being present fosters collaboration, strengthens relationships across departments, enables us to better serve our co-workers and contributes to the student experience. It is an important part of the culture that makes Chapman a special place to work and learn.ResponsibilitiesGeneral Ledger Accounting and Reconciliation: Maintain and reconcile general ledger (G/L) accounts, including payroll bank account, tax liability accounts, financial aid transactions and payroll expense accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting. ·Identify and resolve discrepancies promptly through collaboration with the Director of Accounting and Director of Payroll. Prepare and submit journal entries (JEs) for accruals, deferrals, reallocations, and corrections for upload to PeopleSoft Finance, adhering to institutional accounting policies. Track and clear outstanding JEs, suspense accounts, and unreconciled transactions. Run distribution and commitment accounting processes in PeopleSoft HCM ensuring proper allocation and classification in the general ledger Review payroll journals and benefit allocations to ensure proper account coding. Prepare manual cost transfers, as needed. Analyze budget-to-actual variances and research unusual fluctuations. Perform advanced accounting activities and analyses, including the preparation of complex JEs, in accordance with U.S. GAAP . Ensure adherence to established internal controls, university policies, and related procedures Serve as a resource to other accounting staff with respect to reconciliations, JEs, and the preparation of financial statements and reports. Provide financial summaries to management and department leaders. Evaluate existing accounting processes and identify opportunities for increased efficiency and improved accuracy Compliance and Monitoring: Analyze moderately complex financial statements and reports ensuring compliance with university policies, procedures, and accounting standards. Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations across university departments. Assess financial controls and recommend improvements to minimize risk. Track compliance deadlines for financial reporting and audits. Review aging reports and other balance sheet accounts. Prepare trend analysis reports for management Prepare required compliance reporting for Financial Aid. Assist with preparation of reports required by governmental agencies and university leadership. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with payroll data. Month-End and Year-End Close: Year-End Close: Assist the Director of Accounting with fiscal year-end close processes, including the preparation of financial statements and backup documentation, account analysis, schedules, and footnote disclosures. Review G/L activity for accuracy and completeness. Ensure all year-end accruals and adjusting entries are recorded in the appropriate accounting period. Coordinate close activities across departments to ensure timely completion. Coach staff on year-end requirements, routine department processes, software including PeopleSoft, Excel, and Jira, and monthly deadlines. Update close schedules. Identify inefficiencies in the close process and recommend improvements to reduce close-cycle timelines. Reduce manual processes through automation and system enhancements. Prepare management reports highlighting significant financial issues. Audits: Support internal and external audits as necessary, providing required documentation and responding to auditor inquiries. Research and resolve issues identified during the audit process. Assist with the implementation of audit recommendations or action items. Collaboration and Process Improvement: Partner with Payroll, Human Resources, Financial Aid, and other departments to ensure accounting processes align with institutional policies. Proactively identify opportunities to improve accounting workflows and ensure best practices are followed. Provide documented guidance on university accounting policies and procedures. Identify root causes of recurring accounting issues and research solutions. Partner with IT to test dashboard or system changes and validate financial reporting outputs. Prepare responses to high priority reporting requests. Serve as a key participant in monthly and/or quarterly business financial reviews. Collaborate with the Director of Accounting on special projects and tasks, as needed. Other accounting duties as assigned. Perform backup duties when other accounting staff are out of the office. Partner with Payroll to reconcile payroll expenses and funding allocations. Support departments with budget planning activities.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or related field or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience. 5 years of professional experience in payroll accounting, general accounting, or a similar role, preferably in higher education or a large organization. Strong knowledge of general accounting principles, including journal entries and reconciliations. Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) and accounting software. Proven track record of maintaining confidentiality when working with sensitive or restricted information. Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills. Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across departments.