Staff / Senior Accountant

Senior Staff Accountant

Coe College seeks qualified candidates for the position of Senior Staff Accountant. This position works in partnership with the Assistant Controller and Controller to advance the academic mission of the college, by ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all financial data necessary to assist with the management of financial planning and infrastructure to support the strategic initiatives of the college. Responsible for the accurate and timely compilation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial data. Work closely with the Assistant Controller and Controller to track and monitor all endowments, annuities, investments and other financial instruments. Serve as a resource for other departments related to budget questions, transfer requests and account information. Provide excellent customer service in person, over the telephone and in writing. Assist and provide backup coverage for the front desk.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Reconcile bank statements and prepare necessary adjustments.
• Record and reconcile prepaid expenses.
• Prepare standard and recurring monthly journal entries.
• Review and process departmental transfer request forms.
• Record activity for restricted, endowment, annuity, plant and Clark funds.
• Assist with inquiries regarding journal entries, budget and general ledger account activity.
• Front desk coverage as needed which includes, the recording of cash receipts, and response to inquiries regarding student accounts and student loans in person, on the phone and in writing.
• Open and close front desk in absence of Accounting Assistant.
• Reconcile monthly received gifts to the Advancement Office records.
• Calculate and distribute endowment income to associated funds.
• Record various daily online payments received.
• Prepare annual report for Educational Support Services grant and Wilderness Field Station.
• Provide Financial Aid Office with scholarship budget and Dean's office with prize/award budget.
• Track vendor commissions if and when applicable.
• Assist with the annual external audit and 990 Information Return as needed.
• Assist with annual budget preparation and related processes.
• Ensure all monthly entries are posted within seven business days following month end.
• Prepare and file quarterly sales tax return.
• Develop and maintain current standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all essential job responsibilities of the Staff Accountant position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field required with a minimum of two years of recent related accounting work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in nonprofit and/or higher education preferred but not required.
• Computer software experience (intermediate level) in spreadsheets and database programs.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
• Successful completion of a background check in accordance with Coe College policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:

• Analytical skills to be able to reconcile various general ledger accounts.
• Prepare and maintain records, reports and other documents with an attention to detail and accuracy using a personal computer and data entry skills.
• Exercise professional judgment when applying sound accounting and cash handling policies, procedures and principles.
• Knowledge of common office policies, practices and standard equipment.
• Personal computer experience in word processing, spreadsheets and database programs as well as data entry skills.
• Ability to organize, manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities, deadlines, tasks and projects while dealing with interruptions and an uneven workload.
• Interact ethically, professionally and confidentially with diverse groups, faculty, staff and students to develop a deep sense of trust.
• Demonstrate commitment to excellent customer service including the ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of the operations, functions, and scope of authority of a college setting or similar environment as related to the handling and disposition of complaints, requests for information, and delegated administrative details.
• Knowledge of GAAP, not-for-profit accounting, and sound accounting practices, procedures and principles.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships in a collaborative and diverse team atmosphere.
• Commitment to excellent customer and/or student service.
• Demonstrate ethical and responsible decision making.
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and accountability for position objectives.

Coe Competencies:

• Dedication to the educational mission of a private, residential liberal arts college.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships in a collaborative and diverse team atmosphere.
• Commitment to excellent customer and/or student service.
• Demonstrate ethical and responsible decision making.
• Consistent attendance and accountability necessary to meet position objectives.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work additional hours, as needed.
• Typical office environment.
• Primarily sendentary role requiring long periods of sitting or standing.

Coe College is an equal opportunity employer.