Job Summary:
Reporting to the Vice President of Financial Operations/CFO. The Accounting Specialist will provide
comprehensive financial and compliance support to strengthen Shaw Universitys fiscal operations. This role
spans Student Accounts Accounts Payable Payroll Accounting Grant Accounting Budgeting and
Procurement ensuring the accuracy timeliness and compliance of financial transactions. The Accounting
Specialist will play a critical role in reducing audit risks supporting institutional efficiency and building sustainable
financial practices that align with federal regulations and Shaw Universitys strategic priorities.
Essential Job Functions:
Student Accounts
Reconcile student billing financial aid disbursements and refunds.
Ensure accuracy and timeliness of account adjustments to reduce student financial holds and complaints.
Accounts Payable
Review process and reconcile vendor invoices and payments.
Monitor disbursements to ensure compliance with institutional and federal procurement policies.
Payroll
Assist in processing and reconciling payroll expenditures.
Ensure payroll transactions are accurately coded to appropriate funding sources including Title III.
Accounting & Grant Accounting
Provide support as needed with monthly reconciliations of institutional and grant accounts.
Review and certify all expenditures for compliance.
Assist with the preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports for submission to the U.S.
Department of Education and internal leadership.
Support drawdowns journal entries and financial reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds.
Budgeting
Collaborate with every department and project directors to ensure proper allocation and use of funds.
Provide variance analysis forecast support and corrective action recommendations.
Procurement
Monitor purchasing transactions for compliance with Title III and institutional policies.
Assist in streamlining procurement workflows and improving efficiency of vendor management.
Compliance & Institutional Capacity
Maintain organized documentation for audits site visits and monitoring reviews.
Contribute to the development of financial and administrative procedures manuals.
Provide training and guidance to program directors and staff on allowable costs and compliance.
Other
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Minimum Job Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Accounting Business Finance or related field OR equivalent professional
experience.
Minimum of 13 years of accounting/finance experience (preferably in higher education or nonprofit
sector).
Strong knowledge of GAAP nonprofit and fund accounting principles.
Experience with financial/ERP systems (e.g. Jenzabar Banner PeopleSoft Workday or similar).
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools.
Strong analytical organizational and communication skills.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelors degree in Accounting Business Finance or related field.
Minimum of 13 years of accounting experience preferably in higher education or federally funded
programs.
Knowledge of GAAP
Experience in student accounts accounts payable payroll and grant accounting.
Strong analytical reconciliation and reporting skills.
Proficiency with financial management and ERP systems
Certificates Licenses or Registrations
None required
Other Competencies (skills abilities behavior)
Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision
commitment and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written
presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization
decision-making problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects
simultaneously. Must be able to read write and speak fluently in English.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally) bending and carrying.
The employee is regularly required to talk and hear and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.
Required Experience:
IC
Located in downtown Raleigh, NC, Shaw University offers a career-focused education in a supportive family environment.