Senior Accountant

Philander Smith University - LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202

Salary Range

Position Type

Full Time

Job Shift

Day

4 Year Degree

Category

Accounting

Position Summary:

The Senior Accountant reports to the Controller and is responsible for general ledger accountability, financial reporting, oversees general accounting operations by controlling and verifying financial transactions, preparing financial reports, performing account reconciliations, maintaining the general ledger, assisting with audit preparations, and other financial projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Executes monthly bank reconciliations for all institutional accounts, ensuring accurate and timely completion of the monthly close process.
• Prepares and maintains schedules, sub-ledgers, and reconciliations to support monthly financial statements, the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and external audits.
• Oversees financial reporting and record-keeping for all grants, ensuring that funds are accurately recorded, tracked, and disbursed in compliance with funding source guidelines and GAAP & GASB standards.
• Participates in the design, implementation, and enhancement of accounting systems to improve fiscal management and operational efficiency.
• Manages the purchase order lifecycle by issuing orders, monitoring outstanding commitments, generating monthly documentation reports, and directing the year-end close-out and rollover.
• Upholds regulatory compliance through the consistent application of relevant policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Examines payables, deposits, and cash receipts to verify accuracy, correct general ledger coding, and compliance with established policies.
• Completes periodic audits of petty cash accounts and cash tills for all departments.
• Oversees the fixed asset lifecycle, including capitalization, retirements, and dispositions; provides essential support for institutional capital asset reporting.
• Collaborates with the Controller to identify, report, and resolve account variances or issues.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field preferred.
• 4 years of institutional accounting, financial systems, and financial reporting.
• Experience with General Ledger Accounting software and Windows programs such as Excel, Word and Outlook.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Ability to multitask and manage time to accomplish task.
• Knowledge of auditing practices and principles.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate & problem solve reconciliation and other ledger variances.
• Knowledge of GAAP, accounting theory, principles, auditing practices, financial reporting and ability to maintain complex financial records and prepare both narrative and statistical financial reports required.
• Knowledge of GASB as well as federal and state regulations governing the expenditure of funds preferred.