About the position
The Accountant/Senior Accountant at Hollins University plays a crucial role in the university's accounting operations and internal controls. This position involves monitoring and reconciling general ledger activity to ensure accuracy, preparing journal entries, and assisting with monthly and fiscal year-end closes, financial statement preparations, and audits. The Accountant/Senior Accountant will report directly to the Accounting Director and will supervise approximately two work-study students, providing guidance and training in accounting matters. Key responsibilities include preparing balance sheet reconciliations within 45 days of close for various accounts such as cash, short-term investments, receivables, payables, payroll, and fees paid in advance. The role also involves booking journal entries for credit card transactions and other operational activities, closing the ledger monthly, and updating and distributing the operational calendar. The Accountant/Senior Accountant will serve as the primary contact for the accounting email account and will support the campus community with inquiries regarding their ledger and budget accounts. Additionally, this position assists with the fiscal year-end close, preparation of financial statements, audit requests, and tax return preparations as needed. The Accountant/Senior Accountant will review property, facilities, and equipment to ensure the correct application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the acquisition, disposition, and depreciation of assets. They will also aid in ensuring appropriate accounting of donor-restricted funds and assist with system enhancements, documenting and testing internal controls, and implementing new policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Prepares balance sheet reconciliations within 45 days of close for various accounts.
- Books journal entries including credit card transactions and operational activities.
- Closes the ledger monthly and updates and distributes the operational calendar.
- Serves as the primary contact for the accounting email account.
- Supports the campus community on questions regarding their ledger and budget accounts.
- Assists with fiscal year-end close, preparation of financial statements, audit requests, and tax return preparations as needed.
- Reviews property, facilities, and equipment for correct application of GAAP.
- Assists in ensuring appropriate accounting of donor restricted funds.
- Aids with system enhancements, documenting and testing internal controls, and implementing new policies and procedures.
- Helps train and guide the part-time Cashier/Accounting Assistant and work-study students.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum three years of relevant experience for Accountant position and minimum six years for Senior Accountant position.
- Strong knowledge of accounting and reporting policies and procedures.
- Excellent communication, customer service, detail, accuracy, organizational, problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Proven abilities to meet deadlines, make sound judgments, manage confidential and sensitive matters, and work effectively with internal and external constituents.
- Microsoft Office proficiency.
Nice-to-haves
- Bachelor's degree in accounting.
- Current or pursuing CPA certification.
- Proficiency with query tools (e.g., Power BI or Orbit).
- Experience working at a private higher education institution or other non-profit organization.
- Experience with Ellucian Banner as an ERP system.
