Business Office - Accountant
3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States of America
Req #260
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
Position Summary
The Accountant is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards by performing a range of accounting tasks, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis. Additionally, the role involves assisting in the preparation of financial analyses, overseeing operational treasury functions, managing merchant services, and providing support for audits and financial reporting requirements. The position also involves administering e-procurement systems, maintaining internal controls, and identifying opportunities for process improvement. The Accountant reports directly to the Accounting Manager.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop a thorough understanding of Non-For-Profit Accounting Standards, Sacred Heart Internal/External Financial Reporting Systems, Budgets, and GAAP Audited Financial Statements.
- Perform day-to-day accounting tasks, including journal entries, general ledger reconciliations, for such areas as cash, fixed assets, accrued expenses, deferred revenue, student AR and debt.
- Assist in the preparation of analyses that require use of accounting judgement and analytics such as the allowance for doubtful accounts, adequacy of accrued liability amounts, and execute associated reasonableness tests.
- Assist in the preparation of account level variance analysis and investigate discrepancies to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records.
- Perform operational treasury functions such as account openings, service modifications, signatory updates, KYC, and fraud reporting. Report the daily cash position to ensure accurate monitoring and management of the organization's liquidity.
- Oversee all aspects of merchant services, ensuring efficient and secure transaction processing across the university, and act as the primary administrator for setting up new merchant services to ensure seamless integration and proper management.
- Assist the Accounting Manager with the compilation of the Form 990, schedules for the NCAA agreed-upon procedures report, and all supporting schedules for the year-end audit.
- Provide support to supervisor with day-to-day accounting and analysis, and any ad hoc financial requests as assigned.
- Administer Sacred Heart University’s e-procurement systems (SHU eBuy and Concur expense), including email support, accuracy and compliance reviews, and workflow maintenance.
- Comply with internal controls and Business Office procedures and identify opportunities for improvement.
- All other duties as assigned
Knowledge Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
- CPA or MBA desired, not required
- Minimum 3-5 years related experience.
- Advanced working knowledge with Excel.
- Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Knowledge of accounting software desired.
- Comfort dealing with all levels of management.
- Ability to learn new responsibilities, to work independently and as part of a team.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
Other details
- Job Family Staff
- Job Function Finance
- Pay Type Salary
- Required Education Bachelor’s Degree
- 3135 Easton Turnpike, Fairfield, Connecticut, United States of America