Accounting Associate

Accounting Associate

The Accounting Associate supports the Controller's Office by coordinating audit activities, maintaining and reconciling financial accounts, assisting with financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with applicable policies and reporting requirements. Working closely with campus departments, the position helps promote the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of the university's financial records and processes.

Under administrative direction, this individual applies professional-level accounting expertise in the management and/or administration of the Controller's Office. They perform professional-level accounting work, characterized by independent discretion and strategic planning. The position's job duties are also characterized by high impact activities affecting multiple departments/divisions. This position requires knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and terminology of accountancy.

Audit Support:
Serve as the primary point of contact for coordinating communications between external state auditors and campus departments during annual financial, single, and compliance audits. Coordinate the distribution, collection, tracking, and follow-up of audit requests and supporting documentation from campus departments. Review documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with audit request requirements before submission to external auditors. Communicate identified documentation deficiencies, missing information, or corrective actions needed to departmental representatives and management.

Account Support:
Responsible for maintaining and reconciling the university petty cash and working fund account. Review requests for new funds, obtain approvals, and submit completed requests for processing. Prepare journals as needed for closing and maintaining funds. Perform annual verification of funds.

Financial Reporting Support:
Serve as a backup to assist with the preparation of various financial reporting and asset management. Assist with developing an overall financial assessment and make recommendations to management for process improvement to ensure completeness and accuracy of institutional financial data and reports. Report comprehensive reports, detailed analysis, and technical advice for administrative use. Prepare financial statements and interim management reports.

Assist in various year-end processes, including independent preparation of GAAP package, financial statements, and compliance schedules. Participate in all facets of fiscal period and year end closing, identifying potential problems, developing solutions, and implementing corrective actions.

Research current GASB standards. Stay current with current financial accounting trends in Higher Education.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service):
Bachelor's degree with a major in Accountancy or a related field AND two (2) years of professional level accounting experience. OR Possession of current registration as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant, or a valid license to practice Public Accounting (LPA). OR Master's degree in Accountancy or a related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service):
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, as well as relevant laws and regulations; ability to apply accounting theory to very complex accounting problems. Ability to exercise independent judgment. Ability to present accounting or financial data in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical users. Ability to collect and organize accounting data, interpret its significance, and prepare accurate financial reports.

Ability to apply mathematical methods and principles to accounting related problems. Ability to solve difficult and complex accounting and related financial problems. Ability to communicate appropriately regarding accounting and financial issues, and exercise tact when solving controversial problems. May require the ability to direct and manage the activities of subordinates engaged in accounting activities. Working knowledge of computers, computer systems, and accounting software.

Ability to work well with others. Knowledge of word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, managing inventory, etc. Ability to assess customer needs, meet quality standards of service, and evaluate customer satisfaction. Ability to compose complex written material; knowledge of grammar and punctuation, spelling, etc.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date - 08/3/2026. Percent of Staff Year - 1.00. Standard Hours Per Week - 37.50. Working Hours - M-F, 8:00am - :30pm, additional hours as needed. Salary - $57,451.20 - $64,000.08 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Application Procedure:
Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Important:
Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or…