Staff Accountant

Department

Job Family

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact [email protected].

Job Description

Position Summary: 

The Accounting Services office provides essential fiscal services to the College, including general accounting, financial reporting, and compliance oversight. We ensure sound fiscal management, careful resource stewardship, and deliver accurate, timely financial data to enable strategic decision-making.

The Staff Accountant reports to the Associate Controller and is a critical member of the Accounting Services team, supporting the overall fiscal integrity of the College. This role plays an essential part by managing key accounting functions, coordinating with various departments by providing exceptional customer service, and ensuring compliance with financial standards and regulatory requirements. They are responsible for the accurate analysis, reconciliation, and recording of the College's financial activities.  Staff Accountants are cross-trained in multiple accounting functions to provide coverage and support across the department.

Responsibilities:

• Perform accounting tasks for a wide-variety of the College’s operating and restricted funds including general ledger and clearing account reconciliations and analysis, and monthly, annual, and correcting journal entries.

• Perform timely and accurate bank reconciliations for multiple accounts, investigate and resolve reconciling items, and monitor cash balances.

• Oversee tracking and the accurate accounting for the College’s fixed assets and Capital Projects, including acquisitions, disposals or retirements, transfers, overhead allocations, and depreciation.

• Collaborate with Project Managers to oversee and manage the accounting of expenses and funding for all capital projects.

• Collaborate with Facilities Operations, the Office of Advancement,  the Grants office, and the Budget Office to monitor capital project funding, grant funding,  gift funding, plant fund activity, and related expenditures.

• Review and reconcile monthly bond activity and prepare year-end schedules for bond deposits and reserve funds, including compliance with lender requirements and tax regulations.

• Support fiscal year-end closing processes and audit activities by preparing schedules, documentation, and responding to inquiries within required deadlines.

• Support annual IRS Form 990 preparation, including compiling data, preparing schedules, and maintaining documentation.

• Support continuous improvement and maintenance of the College's ERP system. 

• Identify opportunities for workflow improvements, enhanced controls, and increased efficiency.

• Provide expert financial guidance and dedicated customer support to College departments, ensuring the accurate accounting and reporting of all financial activities.

• Remain  current on with IRS and accounting rules, regulations, and guidance.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.

• Experience in an accounting or business office.

• Strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP) and financial analysis.

• Strong technical accounting skills, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with computer software applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Excellent written and oral communication and decision-making skills.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage deadlines and competing priorities.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community. 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. 

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• Experience in higher education or other nonprofit settings.

• Experience with Workday or similar ERP systems.

• Knowledge of GASB and/or FASB standards for nonprofit organizations.

• Experience with fixed asset accounting and management, bond accounting and debt compliance.

• Familiarity with investment and endowment accounting.

• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis).

Compensation:

The compensation for this position is $62,350 to $70,000 per year. 

When extending an offer, Vassar College considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, budget, and other market and organizational considerations. The starting salary range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate at the time of posting.