Lead Accountant

Lead Accountant

Reporting to the Assistant Controller, the Lead Accountant is responsible for the accounting of the University's investments and investment activity, gifts, and a variety of general accounting and financial functions, ensuring accurate and timely recording and reporting of financial data in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and donor and other restrictions. The Lead Accountant is also responsible for supervising the Cash Accountant and providing daily visibility into University operating fund flows for leadership.

The Lead Accountant works with appropriate functional areas to review, and develop, policies and procedures, to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, as well as University business processes and internal controls. The Lead Accountant will assist with preparation of various tax forms and ensure payments and filings are completed in a timely and accurate manner. The individual in this position will also assist in developing financial reports to use in reviewing financial performance, as well as assist departments by providing financial system data as needed.

The Lead Accountant will maintain strong functional knowledge of the University's financial information system, assist in testing new system functionality and upgrades, and provides support and training to the University community.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Endowment:
Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University's investments and investment activity in accordance with GAAP. On a monthly basis, reconcile the G/L to the third-party custodian statements, making required journal entries as necessary, and book entries related to investment activity, accurately classifying income, gains, expenses, etc. Provide required and requested information to third-party service providers for inclusion in monthly reports for upper management and the Board.

Throughout the year, ensure that endowment net assets are properly accounted for in the accounting system, based on donor and other restrictions. Work in conjunction with the Investments Office for proper maintenance of all investment accounts.

Gifts/Pledges:
Oversee and maintain the accounting related to the University's gifts and pledges in accordance with GAAP. On a monthly basis, review and reconcile the Development Office's FASB reports, making required journal entries on a quarterly basis to reconcile to the G/L, and maintain external work-papers relating to pledges by fiscal year and restriction. Calculate the pledge allowance and discount percentages on an annual basis, determining an appropriate discount factor.

Maintain and provide upper management requested information on pledge status of donor restricted capital projects for use in projections and analyses. Throughout the year, ensure that gift net assets are properly accounted for in the accounting system, based on donor and other restrictions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Formal

Education:

Bachelor's Degree required, with a major in accounting. 5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a university or similar environment; including in-depth knowledge of enterprise-wide accounting/administrative applications. Specific Job Knowledge Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, especially in a not-for-profit higher education environment. Specific knowledge of accounting for investments and investment activity, particularly in a not-for-profit organization. Working knowledge of managerial accounting, reporting, and control.

Knowledge of fund accounting concepts preferred.

Experience with enterprise financial software (experience using Ellucian Banner is desirable).

Experience with customized report writing. As relating to job responsibilities, keep up with new technology and new accounting pronouncements. Strong knowledge of current Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, and perform complex analysis using advanced spreadsheet functions and/or other analysis tools. Work

Skills:

Strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated aptitude in accounting, accuracy, and ability to work independently under general supervision. Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and effectively prioritize work in a deadline-driven environment is critical. Ability to clearly and effectively communicate (verbally and in writing) financial and technical information to diverse audiences with varying levels of financial understanding. Ability to establish and develop effective working relationships within a large, complex organization.

Ability to adapt to new software and policy/procedure changes implemented to better manage job duties and time allocation. Equipment Knowledge:
Standard office equipment, including PC and common software packages.

Preferred…