Senior Accountant (18 month opportunity)
Description
This is an interim role for the period 10/01/2024 (as soon as it is filled) for an 18-month period. This individual will backfill accounting personnel during the Workday Financials implementation. Responsible for providing professional accounting and tax services with a focus on strengthening policies, procedures and internal controls and improving customer service to the college community and external parties. Serve as a lead contributor to the month end closing process responsible for recording gift activity for the College in the general ledger including annual fund, endowment and restricted gifts, pledges and charitable planned giving. This role works closely with the Associate Controller providing assistance in the performance of various functions in the financial processing for the college with a high volume workload to meet monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines, as well as the preparation of financial statements, reports, tax returns and other data in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and higher education industry practices.
Major Areas of Responsibility
- Review and post the daily gift feed to the general ledger. Reconcile to Advancement records and resolve any discrepancies.
- Serve as a liaison between the Office of Advancement and the Finance division to ensure compliance with accounting standards for gift recording. As new endowment and restricted gifts are received, assist Advancement with classification and documentation requirements. Determine appropriate net asset classification.
- Prepare and reconcile contributions receivable and record allowances for uncollectible pledges and pledge discounts.
- Monitor expenditures of restricted gifts in accordance with donor requirements.
- Review and approve invoices and expenses with donor or grant restrictions.
- Set up the grant accounting and budgetary control in the general ledger for new grants.
- Prepare reports to granting agencies.
- Oversee grants for post award financial compliance and provide the Principle Investigators’ with guidance and assistance in budgetary and expenditure issues.
- Review and reconcile gift clearing accounts.
- Record and reconcile investments.
- Assist with the monthly, quarterly and annual close process, ensuring that all transactions are reported timely and accurately and general ledger activity is reconciled accurately and timely.
- Cross-train with and provide backup support for other team members as assigned.
- Perform major role in preparation of the annual financial statements and benefit plan audits.
- Assist in preparing the annual tax returns.
- Assist with developing and documenting accounting policies and procedures.
- Actively participate in special projects as assigned. Projects may include but are not limited to testing system implementations, upgrades, or enhancements, conducting financial analysis, supporting various audits, and developing ad hoc reports and process improvement initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting and a minimum of 3 - 5 years’ of progressive responsibility in accounting positions, preferably in a higher education environment.
- Comprehensive knowledge of accounting standards (GAAP) and federal and state regulations applicable to a higher education institution.
- Demonstrated supervisory experience with a focus on quality customer service and team leadership and mentoring skills.
- Experience working with ERP (PeopleSoft preferred) and other SaaS systems.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, with experience using other Microsoft applications.
Core Competencies
- Ability to work independently receiving little instruction on day-to-day work, with general instructions provided on new or unique assignments.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a customer-oriented approach.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
- Excellent communication skills; verbal and written.
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt to change.
- Understands, values and respects diversity as an individual, in a team and within groups while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Commitment to the mission of the College of the Holy Cross.
Additional Information:
This is a full time, exempt level position. The College is committed to providing competitive market pay for its employees. The College also offers a competitive benefits package for full-time staff, including:
- 10% College contribution to the 403(b) Retirement Plan (1 year wait waiver available)
- This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement
- Condensed summer 4-day work week
- Tuition benefits
- Wellness programs & ongoing Training and Development opportunities
- Generous paid time off
The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action in the workplace.
To review our Employee Benefit Options, please go to: https://www.holycross.edu/human-resources/benefits
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please upload a resume (CV) and cover letter.
In your cover letter please address how your work might support the College's mission as a Jesuit, undergraduate liberal arts college (see http://www.holycross.edu/mission) and its core commitment to diversity and inclusion. Please provide examples of any past work that illuminate your commitments in these areas. For more information, please visit http://holycross.edu/diversity.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please upload a resume (CV) and cover letter.
In your cover letter please address how your work might support the College's mission as a Jesuit, undergraduate liberal arts college (see http://www.holycross.edu/mission) and its core commitment to diversity and inclusion. Please provide examples of any past work that illuminate your commitments in these areas. For more information, please visit http://holycross.edu/diversity.