Staff Accountant II

Position Summary

Reporting to the Accounting Manager, the Staff Accountant II is responsible for performing a wide range of complex accounting and fiscal work that includes establishing and maintaining fiscal records, preparing accounting reports, and performing financial analysis functions that support the Controller’s Office.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain accounting documents and records, prepare journal entries, process deposits of cash receipts, maintain bank statements and retain other related reports.
• Review and post journal entries generated by the various student systems and various payments gateways.
• Analyze and evaluate complex accounting problems, taking appropriate actions.
• Assist in the preparation of the financial statements, related supporting schedules, and annual surveys, (, IPEDS, HLC and other ad hoc financial reports).
• Prepare the daily reconciliation of the student accounts receivable and other various accounts to the general ledger, including, but not limited to, cash, accounts receivables, payables and accruals as assigned.
• Analyze invoices and purchase orders for potential capitalization. Work closely with departments, especially Facilities, to analyze spend against the College’s Financial Management of Capital Assets policy and related GAAP guidance.
• Record fixed asset acquisitions and dispositions in the accounting system. Track the compilation of project costs into fixed asset accounts, and close accounts once projects have been completed.
• Prepare audit schedules, provide support during various internal and external audits, and interact with auditors.
• Review business processes and procedures for improvements within assigned area of responsibility.
• Respond to inquiries from other departments to supply accounting and financial data, secure information on operations and problems, and provide advice on fundamental accounting practices and procedures.
• Maintain familiarity with the college’s accounting structure, classifications and terminology.
• Stay current with trends and developments in accounting pronouncements and regulations.
• Perform other related duties and / or responsibilities as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related field required.
• Four or more years of accounting experience required.
• Requires knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft suite of applications is required and strong skills, particularly Excel, is essential.
• Experience with ERP Systems, such as PeopleSoft is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of student databases (, Jenzebr, Activenet, and Destiny) preferred.
• Ability to learn new applications and / or systems quickly.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and / or college.

• At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage;
• flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options;

work / life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.