Sr. Accountant

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant is responsible for performing advanced professional accounting and financial analysis in support of the University's financial operations. This position ensures accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial records through account reconciliations, journal entries, grant accounting, revenue and indirect cost tracking, financial reporting, and transaction analysis. The Senior Accountant supports post-award grant administration, maintains financial data within institutional and state accounting systems, and provides guidance and training to Accountant I and II staff.

This role requires strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with a thorough understanding of accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting processes.

• Grant Accounting and Financial Management
  • Manage the financial administration of sponsored projects and grants from award setup through closeout. Establish grant budgets within the University's financial system, monitor expenditures and revenue activity, reconcile grant accounts monthly, and ensure compliance with sponsor, state, federal, and institutional requirements. Review financial transactions for allowability and accuracy, track indirect cost recovery, prepare financial reports as requested, and assist principal investigators and departmental personnel with grant-related financial matters.
• Financial Analysis, Reconciliations, and Reporting
  • Perform complex account reconciliations and financial analyses to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the University's financial records. Reconcile general ledger accounts, cash balances, and subsidiary systems; research and resolve discrepancies; analyze financial trends and variances; and support the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Assist in year-end closing activities and provide supporting documentation for internal and external reporting requirements.
• Journal Entries, Transaction Processing, and State Reporting
  • Prepare, review, and process journal entries, cost allocations, corrections, payment applications, and other accounting transactions in a timely and accurate manner. Maintain financial records within Banner Finance and the State of Texas Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS), ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, state regulations, and institutional policies. Support departmental accounting functions through transaction review and account maintenance.
• Accounts Management, Auditing, and Financial Compliance
  • Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes by reviewing invoices, reimbursements, deposits, and other financial transactions for accuracy and appropriateness. Assist with fixed asset accounting, encumbrance monitoring, budgetto-actual analysis, and inventory reporting. Conduct transaction audits and account reviews to ensure compliance with internal controls, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), University policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Customer Service, Training, and Operational Support
  • Provide professional accounting support and guidance to university departments, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. Monitor and respond to inquiries received through the post-award shared mailbox and other communication channels in a timely manner. Train and mentor Accountant I and Accountant II staff by providing instruction on accounting procedures, financial systems, and compliance requirements. Collaborate across departments to support operational efficiency and continuous improvement of financial processes.

• Three years in accounting/business office experience.

• Advanced Degree in business or CPA
• Five years of business experience
• Five years of ERP experience - Banner, USAS, Cardinal Purchasing

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), federal, state, university, and NACUBO guidelines
• Excel and Database management experience
• Familiarity with MS Excel & Word & Outlook
• Able to analyze & reconcile accounts and…