Accountant I - 2839

Primary Purpose of Position

The Accountant for Financial Reporting performs advanced professional accounting work in support of the University’s financial reporting functions, including investments, debt management, financial statement preparation, compliance reporting, and year‑end closing processes.

This position is responsible for preparing, analyzing, and reconciling complex financial data to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University, State, Federal, and UNC System regulations. The role requires strong analytical skills, independent judgment, and the ability to interpret financial information for management decision‑making and external reporting requirements.

The Accountant works closely with university departments, affiliated entities, external auditors, and state agencies to support financial reporting, audits, and strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing debt compliance reports.
• Coordinating tax returns for affiliated entities.
• Managing investment reconciliations and endowment reporting.
• Assisting with annual financial statement preparation.
• Completing various year‑end schedules and audit work papers for the University’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, annual audit, and other required reports to state agencies and the UNC System Office.

Extensive knowledge of financial data analysis, complex reconciliations, spreadsheet development, and report preparation is required. Strong communication skills and the ability to explain financial information to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders are essential.

Investments and Endowment Accounting

Responsible for reconciling, analyzing, and maintaining records for University and affiliated entity investments, including endowment funds and investment pools. Performs monthly investment reconciliations, prepares and posts cash sweeps, cash drawdowns, endowment earnings allocations, and related journal entries to the general ledger. Coordinates unitization calculations and allocation of investment earnings across endowment funds to ensure accuracy and compliance. Prepares electronic cash transfer documentation and donor financial activity reporting as needed.

Reviews account balances for completeness, identifies discrepancies, determines corrective actions, and implements process improvements related to investment accounting and reporting.

Debt Management and Compliance

Maintains debt schedules for the University and affiliated entities, including debt service payments, maintenance reserves, and compliance requirements. Prepares electronic transfer forms and payment documentation related to debt obligations. Monitors compliance with debt covenants and ensures timely completion of required debt compliance reporting, including continuing disclosure requirements and Board reporting. Reviews and verifies debt‑related transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Financial Statements and Year‑End Reporting

Assists with preparation of the University’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, annual audit schedules, and other required financial statements and disclosures for the University and affiliated entities. Prepares investment and debt disclosures, accounting worksheets, financial footnotes, and supporting schedules. Performs detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of financial data to ensure accuracy and compliance with University, State, Federal, and UNC System reporting requirements.

Coordinates with departments, auditors, and external agencies to obtain supporting documentation and respond to inquiries.

Compliance and Tax Reporting

Coordinates annual tax return preparation for affiliated entities and supports compliance reporting requirements. Monitors financial activities related to unrelated business income and other compliance matters to ensure proper reporting and adherence to applicable regulations.

Financial Reporting and General Accounting Support

Prepares internal and external financial reports, both standard and ad hoc, to support management decision‑making and reporting deadlines. Prepares and posts journal entries, batch journal entries, fund transfers, and account…