Accounting Associate II

Description

Under the general direction of the Assistant Controller, the Accounting Associate II is responsible for preparing various financial reports, analyses, complex reconciliations, reviewing the Accounting Associate I’s journal entry preparation and data entry accuracy for various types of journal entries, the monitoring and drawdown of federal direct student loan funds and other Title IV programs, and providing the Associate Director of Accounting and the Assistant Controller with necessary support to ensure the effective operation of the Accounting Office.

This position also serves as primary backup to the College’s payroll function.

Responsibilities

Responsible for preparing various reports, analyzing financial data, and monitoring general ledger accounts. Identifies and resolves variances in a timely manner.

Contacts departments to resolve discrepancies. Processes journal entries and necessary adjustments.

Monitors the College's operating bank account activity, including review and resolution of any potential fraudulent items through the bank's Positive Pay process.

Prepares journal entries for bank activity.

• Performs journal entry review to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and College policy and proper data entry.
• Reviews financial and ledger account reconciliations prepared by the Accounting Associate I for accuracy, and assists the Accounting Associate I with resolving any issues or difficulties.
• Reconciles and prepares necessary journal entries for various activities such as gift records, pledges, and stock gifts.

Reviews financial and ledger reconciliations prepared by Accounting Associate I for accuracy which may include but are not limited to Federal Perkins Loan Program, various financial accounts, special event and camp revenue, payroll liabilities, and Pride Card.

Assists with resolving any variances or discrepancies where necessary and oversees the preparation and review of any necessary journal entries or adjustments.

Responsible for timely drawdown and return of funds for federal direct student loans and other Title IV programs to ensure compliance with Title IV return of funds regulations.

Monitors and reconciles general ledger account number and Department of Education’s G-5 system regularly to ensure discrepancies are resolved in a timely manner with Financial Aid personnel.

• Manages accounts payable check printing process, including bank upload and reporting process to support Payee Positive Pay disbursement controls.
• Reconciles, researches, and manages unclaimed property of the College and completed abandoned property remittance to all states.
• Compiles and prepares various reports and data analyses for cash balances, international wires, short term interest, stale dated checks, investment sales, FSA / HSA benefit accounts, and budget and departmental accounts for reporting to various College constituents.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in accounting or related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3-5 years of work-related experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Requires the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and discretion.
• Demonstrates an understanding of GAAP and accounting best practices.
• Demonstrates experience and skills in reconciling complex accounts, and efficiency in processing transactions in a timely manner.
• Requires excellent organizational, problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills, along with the ability to multi-task, deliver results, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates the ability and willingness to handle new assignments and changes in procedures and business requirements.

Identifies what needs to be done and independently takes appropriate action while making sure to keep management apprised.

• Requires strong work ethic and attention to detail along with consistent exercise of discretion, independent judgment and initiative.
• Requires the ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Needs excellent attention to detail and awareness of time constraints.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Exercises initiative and sound judgement and the ability to react with discretion under varying conditions.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other staff members and the college community.
• An intermediate level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience with other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP systems and other accounting software. Experience with Ellucian Banner preferred.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Springfield College is committed to enhancing diversity and equity in education and employment. To that end, the College welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences, who will contribute to a culture of inclusion and respect. For