Senior Accountant; Endowment Funds

Title:

Senior Accountant (Endowment Funds)

Job Category: URA-AFT Administrative

Department: UCO University Accounting

Overview:
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting

Summary:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Senior Accountant for the Office of the University Controller. Reporting to an Accounting Manager II, this position is responsible for the accurate accounting, reconciliation, and financial administration of restricted gifts and endowment funds.

Under the direction of the Accounting Manager II, the Senior Accountant performs complex general accounting and project-related functions, with a specialized focus on endowment and restricted gift activity. The position analyzes financial data, prepares and reviews account reconciliations, records and reconciles investment activity, establishes and maintains restricted and endowment projects, and supports month-end and year-end financial close activities.

The Senior Accountant applies specialized accounting knowledge and independent judgment to resolve complex financial issues in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable regulations, University policies and procedures, donor agreements, and established endowment practices. The position works collaboratively with University departments, Rutgers University Foundation, Treasury, Investment Office, and other areas within the University Controller's Office to ensure the accurate and timely administration and stewardship of restricted and endowment funds.

The position works independently within broadly defined objectives and is expected to analyze financial information, identify discrepancies and potential issues, determine appropriate resolutions, and communicate findings and recommendations to appropriate stakeholders. The position also provides guidance and customer service to University departments regarding the establishment, maintenance, accounting, and reporting of restricted and endowment projects.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Maintains accurate endowment investment balances and reconciles transactions and balances among Fundriver, the Oracle General Ledger, Oracle Projects, and Northern Trust.
• Calculates and records endowment spending distributions and restricted gift revenue in accordance with established University policies and donor requirements.
• Establishes and maintains restricted and endowment projects and reviews supporting donor documentation to ensure appropriate stewardship and compliance with donor intent.
• Administers the University's endowment pools and separately invested funds within Fundriver and records related investment activity in the General Ledger.
• Prepares monthly reconciliations of investment activity among the Oracle General Ledger, Fundriver, and Northern Trust and investigates and resolves discrepancies.
• Prepares year-end supplemental schedules, surveys, account analyses, and other financial information required for internal and external reporting.
• Provides accounting guidance and support to University departments regarding restricted and endowment projects, including project setup, maintenance, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Responds to Helpdesk inquiries related to restricted gifts and endowments and resolves or appropriately redirects inquiries based on the nature of the issue.
• Supports month-end, year-end, audit, and financial reporting activities by ensuring transactions and account balances are accurate, supported, and reconciled.
• Interprets and applies University accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and established endowment practices to meet the needs of a diverse client…