Lead Accountant

Lead Accountant

The Office of the University Controller is responsible for management, reporting, and the analysis of the university's financial resources and operations, which include accounting, grants and contracts, fixed assets, financial reporting, and student accounts. The Fixed Asset Department, within the University Accounting Operations group, ensures that the university's physical assets are recorded and safeguarded in compliance with the university's policies and third-party requirements.

The Lead Accountant reports directly to the Accounting Manager and works under limited supervision to apply generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and procedures to analyze financial information, prepare accurate and timely reconciliations, and ensure appropriate accounting control procedures are met. This position manages all fixed assets accounting and delegate work to the Accounting Specialist, Fixed Assets. Responsibilities include preparing fixed asset and depreciation reports, balance sheet reconciliations, surveys and external filings, and quarterly balance sheet and statement of activities variance analyses.

The role participates in month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities. The Lead Accountant is responsible for recording and maintaining costs of newly acquired tangible and intangible assets; overseeing accounting for inventory, prepaid expenses, accumulated depreciation, and asset dispositions; and managing the inventory of sponsored and non-sponsored assets in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements. The role ensures accurate journal entry recording, maintains and reconciles fixed asset, land, and building subledgers to the general ledger, prepares monthly depreciation schedules, analyzes equipment balances by funding source and classification, supports audit requirements, and continuously reviews fixed asset accounting policies and procedures to promote effective stewardship of University assets.

Responsible for reviewing the Accounting Specialist – Fixed Assets work including any relevant reconciliations, journal entries, fixed asset inventory records, and variance analysis on a daily, monthly and quarterly basis. Provides coaching oversight of the staff member responsible for coordinating with schools and divisions across the university to tag new assets and conduct annual physical inventory activities. Oversee and reviews staff accountant reconciliations, journal entries, and analytical work on a daily, monthly, and quarterly basis.

Shares subject matter expertise with other team members through various training sessions. Actively participates in Finance projects and initiatives in collaboration with colleagues within Finance and across other departments. Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 7 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 5 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Public Accountant Bachelor's in Accounting or Business-related degree

Advanced MS Excel skills including v-lookup, pivot tables, and macros

Proficiency with Microsoft Copilot or other artificial intelligence enabled productivity tools, with the ability to leverage such technologies to enhance efficiency, analysis, and decision-making

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Detail oriented and accurate

Excellent organizational skills and a team player

Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines

Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management and external agencies to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results

Hiring Range - $74,041.08 - $

GW Staff Approach to Pay
- How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Campus

Location:

Ashburn, Virginia

College/School/Department:
Finance

Family
- Finance and Business

Sub-Family
- Accounting

Stream
- Individual Contributor

Level
- Level 3

Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full-Time

Hours Per Week: 40+

Work Schedule:

Monday
- Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Will this job require the employee to work on site? Yes

Employee Onsite Status
- Hybrid

Telework:
Yes

Required Background Check:
Criminal History…