Title: Accounting Associate

VP Area: Finance & Operations

Department: Business Operations

Published Salary: $45,000

Job Summary/Basic Function: 

The Accounting Associate (Entry Level) provides professional accounting and financial support within the University’s Business Operations and Finance area. This position assists with the preparation, analysis, and reconciliation of accounting transactions and supports the accuracy and integrity of financial data across the University’s systems. Working under general supervision, the Accounting Associate applies basic accounting principles, university policies, and procedural guidelines while gaining experience in higher education financial operations. This position reports to the Controller/Director of Finance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform financial accounting, reporting, and record keeping in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
2. Assist with the preparation and posting of journal entries, and expense corrections in Ellucian BANNER.
3. Analyze transactions to ensure accuracy, proper coding, and compliance with University policies and accounting standards.
4. Support monthly and year-end reconciliations for assigned systems/subsystem clearing accounts to ensure data integrity.
5. Assist with maintaining supporting documentation for audit readiness and internal control compliance.
6. Help prepare financial reports, summaries, and schedules for management and departmental review.
7. Support cash management and accounts payable/receivable processes as assigned.
8. Collaborate with other campus departments to resolve discrepancies and answer accounting-related inquiries.
9. Participate in process improvement initiatives aimed at efficiency, automation, and compliance.
10. Maintain and/or coordinate records retention for the University’s financial records, including both paper documents and electronically stored information or equivalents.
11. Provide assistance to students, other University personnel and third parties with questions and issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general accounting software.
• Effective organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred:

• Experience with Ellucian BANNER or similar ERP system.
• Exposure to fund accounting, higher education, or nonprofit financial operations.
• Working knowledge of NACUBO accounting and reporting standards.
• Familiarity with TouchNet or other integrated financial systems.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Typical office environment, Monday-Friday schedule.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours during registration or billing cycles.
• Adequate physical fitness to be able to sit and concentrate for long periods of time.
• Use of fine motor skills to operate computer.
• Problem solving ability; ability to understand and work with numbers.
• Ability to see, hear and speak with or without use of aids to perform normal office tasks.