Financial Reporting Analyst

Definition of Classification :

The Financial Reporting Analyst performs advanced professional analytical work involving the implementation and application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and practices to the resolution of a wide variety of complex accounting problems.

The Financial Reporting Analyst serves as a high-level individual contributor providing expertise and direction to other professional and / or technical staff.

The Financial Reporting Analyst provides significant assistance in support of the monthly financial close process, interim accrual monthly statements, and audited financial statements;

prepares, analyzes and processes timely accounting reports, prepares reporting and reconciliation for relevant financial areas, including but not limited to : fixed assets, leases, contributions receivable, student accounts receivable aging analysis, student loans receivable, monthly accrued revenue and deferred charges, ancillary financial data, and other reconciliations and closing entries, as needed.

Reporting to the Associate Controller, this position plays a key role in the University’s monthly financial close and reporting process.

Although minimal, this position requires flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as well as the ability to travel, as required.

Duties and Responsibilities :

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following :

Financial Accounting :

• Fixed Assets : Maintain University’s fixed asset records on an ongoing basis, ascertain monthly additions and deletions according to policy, and calculate and record monthly depreciation entries.
• Leases : Maintains University lease accounting records on an ongoing basis and calculates and records monthly entries for right-of-use lease assets and liabilities.

Manages lease additions and changes according to policy.

Prepares, analyzes, and reconciles various audit workpapers, schedules and month-end adjusting journal entries for interim financial reporting on the accrual basis of accounting, including but not limited to student accounts receivable, student loans receivable, contributions receivable, property, plant & equipment, leases and actuarial adjustments for life income gifts.

Coordinates with accounting personnel and other supporting departments to facilitate month, quarter and year-end closes.

• Manages monthly accrual and deferral entries and reversals for revenues and expenses.
• Assists Accounting Services with reconciliations as needed in support of a timely month-end close.
• Aids with the analysis of balances and transactions from external sources, preparing complex reports to incorporate data into General Ledger, including the University’s subsidiary organizations.

Grant Administration Support

• Monitors monthly grant activity to ensure that grant requirements are met, and costs are within the grant budget. Assists lead grant personnel in grant administration, accounting, budgetary and compliance issues and processes.
• Prepares invoices, financial reports, cash draw documentation and other compliance reporting as needed. Enhances and maintains current knowledge of compliance issues related to various funding agencies.
• Prepares accounting entries for monthly grant receivables.

General Duties

• Prepares, analyzes, and reconciles various general ledger accounts for monthly reconciliation.
• Interprets financial reports and statements, identifying problem areas.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualification Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following :

Experience / Training / Education :

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in accounting or finance).
• Five (5) years of professional experience in finance and accounting, with progressively responsible experience.
• Expertise in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Higher Education Accounting issues.

Preferred

CPA, CMA or equivalent.

Knowledge and Skills :

• Communicate effectively and follow instructions, both verbally and in writing.
• High level of comfort in learning new and evolving technology and recommend ways to improve position’s efficiency.
• Detailed understanding of administrative systems software, Ellucian Colleague Financial system preferred.
• Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills and must be detail oriented.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• High level of independent judgment.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office software including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Significant experience utilizing technology tools and data conversion to MS Office products.
• Ability to communicate financial information with a wide variety of audiences that may or may not have a financial background.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Should be good at setting priorities and can deal with multiple tasks and functions simultaneously.
• Understanding of University’s operating structures.
• Ability to recommend appropriate courses of action within established guidelines.
• Ability to foster strong, positive relationships and align both internal and external resources to achieve university objectives.
• The ability to exercise discretion and sensitivity towards and the ability to work with confidential information is always required.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions :

Working Conditions :

Standard office setting. Duties performed are primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation or in meetings.

At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands :

• Incumbents regularly sit for long periods; walk short distances on a regular basis; may travel to various locations to attend meetings and conduct work;
• use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reach with hands and arms; stoop or kneel or crouch to file;
• climb stairs; speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer;

hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; and lift, carry and / or move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.