Senior Accountant

Join to apply for the Senior Accountant role at Lenoir-Rhyne University
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The Senior Accountant provides advanced professional accounting support for the university’s financial operations. This position performs complex reconciliations, manages key accounting processes, and ensures compliance with university policies and applicable regulations. The Senior Accountant works independently and collaboratively with other departments to maintain accurate financial records, prepare reports, and support decision-making across the institution.

Hickory, North Carolina

The Senior Accountant reports to the AVP Business & Finance.

• Accounts Payable & Expenses
  • Serve as back-up for Accounts Payable functions.
  • Code utilities and related expenses into the general ledger (GP).
  • Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Accounts Receivable
  • Track and reconcile accounts receivable, ensuring major events (e.g., conferences, camps, facility rentals) are properly invoiced and recorded.
• Banking & Cash Management
  • Maintain daily cash balance and outstanding check spreadsheet.
  • Process wire payments and provide supporting documentation to Accounts Payable.
  • Monitor and resolve Positive Pay and ACH fraud alerts.
  • Prepare and distribute daily bank activity reports.
  • Reconcile cash for all funds and prepare necessary bank transfers.
  • Investigate returned payments and resolve discrepancies.
  • Record interest income and expense to the general ledger.
  • Maintain organized electronic files of all monthly bank statements.
  • Research and resolve old outstanding checks and escheat-related issues.
  • Update cash tracking and pending disbursement reports.
• Budget & Financial Reporting
  • Process budget adjustment requests and department reclassifications.
  • Assist in maintaining the accuracy of general ledger and management reporting systems.
• General Ledger (GL) Administration
  • Prepare and key journal entries for account corrections and reclassifications.
  • Reconcile all clearing accounts.
  • Administer new agency accounts.
  • Open accounting and reporting periods in the absence of the Controller or Business Office Manager.
  • Add new accounts to trees and reporting structures as needed.
• Revenue, Contributions, and Deposits
  • Track and code stock gift checks for deposit.
  • Import and reconcile gift batches between Raiser's Edge and the general ledger.
  • Post cash and student account payment batches.
• Credit Card Administration
  • Set up and manage credit cards for new employees.
  • Adjust credit limits and permissions for existing cardholders.
  • Cancel credit cards for terminated employees.
  • Maintain rules and oversight for ESP credit card managers.
• Fixed Assets and Investments
  • Assist with fixed asset management processes and reconciliations.
  • Prepare and distribute monthly investment and bank balance reports.
• Tax and Regulatory Compliance
  • Prepare and submit self-assessed North Carolina sales tax returns.
  • Post and reconcile escheat entries for voided checks.
  • Submit annual escheat reporting to the State.
  • Prepare and file Forms 1099 and 1098-T in compliance with IRS requirements.
• Office Operations and Support
  • Serve as back-up for opening the vault and other office functions.
  • File journal entries and accounting records by date.
  • Assist with student and walk-in inquiries at the business office.
• Special Projects
  • Participate in or lead special accounting and finance projects as assigned by management.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Proficiency with general ledger software (such as Microsoft Dynamics GP) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong understanding of GAAP principles and university or nonprofit accounting practices.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, reconcile complex accounts, and meet deadlines.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or eligibility preferred.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting.
• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge or other donor management systems.

While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit a:

• Cover letter,…