Senior Accountant

Reports To:Controller

Employment Type:Full-Time

FLSA Status:Exempt

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant ensures the accuracy integrity and timeliness of the universitys financial records. This position supports the Finance Office through advanced accounting work oversees complex reconciliations manages revenue recognition processes and supports financial analysis reporting and compliance. The Senior Accountant collaborates across departments assists with audits and contributes to continuous improvement of financial systems and procedures.

A resume and cover letter are required components of the application for this position.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following.

Financial Reporting & General Ledger

Prepare and review journal entries account reconciliations and month end close activities

Maintain the general ledger in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards

Assist in preparing quarterly and annual financial statements

Analyze variances and trends to support management decision making

Other duties as assigned

Revenue Recognition

Oversee revenue recognition for tuition fees housing dining and other revenue streams

Ensure revenue is recorded in accordance with ASC 606 and nonprofit accounting standards.

Monitor deferred revenue balances and process timely revenue releases

Partner with Student Financial Services to validate billing adjustments and refunds

Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable & Cash Management

Oversee complex AP/AR transactions and ensure proper coding and documentation

Monitor cash activity and support cash-flow reporting

Review and approve transactions prepared by junior accounting staff

Reconcile student accounts receivable and accounts payable subledgers to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.

Audit & Internal Controls

Serve as a key liaison during annual external audits

Prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries

Review work prepared by Staff Accountants while ensuring no single individual controls an entire financial process

Recommend and implement improvements to internal controls and accounting procedures

Systems & Process Improvement

Maintain accounting system data integrity and support system upgrades

Identify opportunities to streamline workflows

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or related field

35 years of progressive accounting experience

Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles

Proficiency with accounting software and Excel

Excellent analytical organizational and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

CPA or progress toward CPA

Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations

Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g. Ellucian Workday Jenzabar Blackbaud)

Competencies

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of and ability to use accounting principles practices and procedures including governmental accounting and computerized accounting systems.

Must be able to read and comprehend written instructions.

Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Must be able to work independently respect confidentiality and maintain courtesy in dealing with students vendors faculty staff and visitors.

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Must have a high attention to detail and accuracy

Must have the ability to manage multiple deadlines

Must have strong problem solving and critical thinking skills

Must have a strong commitment to confidentiality and ethical financial stewardship

Must have a collaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. The position requires the ability to sit stand hear and see continuously and to walk write and type frequently. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Conditions of Employment

Must successfully pass a background check.

How to Apply

Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via the To Apply link on Baldwin Wallace Universitys Employment and Careers webpage. We appreciate all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check meeting applicable pre-employment requirements and compliance with University and departmental policies including completion of required training.

Baldwin Wallace University is an EEO employer and educator. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal state and local laws. At BW we support and encourage diversity in a variety of forms. We value and appreciate inclusive excellence in the classroom within extracurricular activities and as we engage our community partners.