Staff Accountant

Duke University

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools.

With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As a Staff Accountant you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative team that supports Campus Life and more than 600 student organizations. Your work will directly enable student leadership, engagement, and learning by ensuring sound financial stewardship, compliance, and service excellence across Student Affairs.

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of complex financial operations while helping shape best practices for student organization financial management in a dynamic, student-centered environment.

• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, cost reports, and financial statements; analyze results and resolve discrepancies.
• Process purchasing transactions including accounts payable check requests, purchase orders, and corporate card activity for Delegated Authority Student Organizations (DUU, DSG, GPSG), Registered Student Organizations, and UC–Student Activities areas.
• Ensure accurate and compliant coding of corporate card transactions in accordance with funding sources and general ledger requirements.
• Stay current on Duke accounting guidelines and procedures and communicate relevant updates to student organizations and advisors.
• Respond promptly to financial inquiries submitted through Campus Groups, shared inboxes, and other Campus Life communication channels.

• Complete monthly reconciliations for student organization accounts and affiliated grants, maintaining advisor-approved spending logs.
• Research and resolve discrepancies within the University’s general ledger (SAP) to ensure compliance with institutional policies.
• Notify student organizations of account overdrafts and collaborate with stakeholders on timely resolution.
• Ensure all financial activity is accurate, timely, and fully compliant.

• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate student employees and graduate assistants.
• Promote professional development, accountability, and a supportive learning environment for student staff.

• Serve as the primary financial and payment subject matter expert for student governing bodies within Student Affairs.
• Maintain regular communication with student government organizations.
• Support financial planning and policy development for student government and the University Union.

• Support the development, implementation, and assessment of financial systems used by student organizations.
• Provide guidance to advisors regarding financial best practices, policies, and payment procedures.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of financial training resources and support tools.

• Perform related duties as assigned to support departmental, divisional, and University goals.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or a directly related field.
• No experience required for candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the position; or four years of directly related financial or accounting experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

• High level of proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new financial systems and applications as required.
• St…