Senior Accountant (Hybrid)

Department: Accounting Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

The Office of the Controller is responsible for the accounting and financial reporting of Northwestern University, providing a wide range of financial services on behalf of and for the University community. Northwestern operates with an annual budget exceeding $3.5 billion, total investments in excess of $15.5 billion (representing one of the largest endowments in the country), more than $750 million in federal research revenue, land, buildings and equipment of $3.7 billion net, and total long-term debt outstanding of $2.9 billion. The University has more than 23,000 students enrolled in 12 colleges and schools on three campuses. Its fiscal year ends August 31.

Reporting to the Manager, Accounting, in the Controller's Office, the Senior Accountant contributes to the integrity of the general ledger and to the University's financial reporting, including the following:

• Prepares journal entries and reviews transactions submitted by others
• Reconciles balance sheet accounts using BlackLine software
• Performs and supervises chart of accounts & chartfield integrity, supporting Specialists & Accountants
• Provides support for the compilation of interim and annual financial statements, including preparing quarterly fund workpapers, variance analysis, and annual report footnotes
• Prepares supporting schedules for the external audit and other financial analyses
• Monitors ledger integrity through queries and individual transaction review
• Contributes to Blackline system administration (reconciliation and tasks modules), including liaising with other members of the Accounting department, the broader finance user community, and Northwestern IT
• Serves as a resource for University internal clients and advises users of University policies and procedures, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and external regulations
• Partners with University departments and schools to develop best practices or efficiencies
• Manages daily, monthly, quarterly and annual financial processes for the area or program.
• Applies industry and professional standards, interprets university policy and procedure, federal and state laws, granting agency guidelines, and other regulations (as applicable); recommends accounting policy for the university.
• Represents &/or guides business area on internal & external financial affairs by recommending alternatives & suggestions.

Please note:

Supervisor provides objectives & deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objective & deadlines & overall compliance with policy & procedures. EE completes some activities without direction, informing supervisor only of potentially controversial matters, &/or far-reaching implications.

Specific Responsibilities:

Analysis, Statements & Reporting:

• Measures individual net performance of all areas/units as well as consolidated area/unit income statement & balance sheet with the use of pre-defined analytical financial tools.
• Recommends changes to tools to improve analysis, forecasting, modeling & reporting & ultimately quality of financial information & analyses provided to management for planning, evaluating & controlling operations.
• Establishes proper accounting & audit trails for revenue & expenses related to programs & initiatives.
• Oversees monthly reconciliation & reports on current financial performance, impact on year-end forecast & opportunities & risks.
• Prepares area or program financial statements and regulatory reports.
• Prepares financial statement and audit workpapers; contributes to annual financial report disclosures as assigned
• Performs complex financial account reconciliations, statement analysis, and transaction research.

Transactions:

• Oversees accurate, efficient and compliant workflow of all transactional processes across areas/units.
• Provides optimal customer service and financial guidance to areas/units.
• Oversees processing of all daily financial transactional activity.
• Reviews status of related university unit accounts and processes; troubleshoots issues as needed.

Administration:

• Processes & presents associated data & information through the application of sophisticated database, graphic & spreadsheet tools.
• Acts act as project manager for design and implementation of regulatory and system changes.
• Manages operation of a computer system or system processes that support the area or program.

Training:

• Provides training and support to related university units or program participants
• Develops and maintains website content and training materials

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 5 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Proficient in MS Office applications (Excel) and accounting software.
• Strong conceptual understanding of accounting theory and financial systems; proven ability to perform account reconciliations and/or perform.
• Familiarity with FASB requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external contacts at all levels.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently.
• Taking initiative to problem solve and seek continuous process improvement

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA-Certified Public Accountant
• Experience with accounting in non-profit and/or private university environment
• Experience performing or participating in financial audit procedures

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience with PeopleSoft Financials and BlackLine software
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, including knowledge of vlookup, pivot and other functions to perform complex data analysis and reconciliations.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.