Accountant

Are you an experienced accounting professional looking to contribute to a dynamic and mission-driven environment? Augustana University invites applications for a full-time Accountant to join our Business Office.

This position is an accountant/CPA for Augustana University. A large portion of time in the late summer and fall of each year is spent preparing and balancing work papers for the annual external financial audits. Trusts, annuities, endowments, grants, tax returns, scholarships, gifts, and pledges are also large areas of responsibility to advise, record, and support university personnel in making decisions to advance the strategic goals of Augustana University. This position will help prepare financial statements, research new contracts, mergers, acquisitions, bonds, leases, and any other new accounting pronouncements needing implementation for the university. Ledger and tax coding of restrictions and account mapping will be maintained. Fixed asset review and capitalization decisions will be accounted for on an annual basis. An internal audit approach to reviewing the work of others within the overall accounting ledger will be a shared responsibility when working on various projects such as the balancing of the endowment for the university. Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible; however, it does not imply that the statements contained herein are the only duties to be performed. Duties not explicitly stated may be required if they logically relate to the position's responsibilities.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge and experience in all aspects of non-profit accounting.
• Knowledge of data bases and familiarity with complex accounting systems. 
• Jenzabar proficiency valued.
• Raiser’s Edge knowledge helpful.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft products.
• ASCII file posting and other experience with Cognos or other similar reporting packages useful.
• Flexibility and ability to seek and embrace new reporting and technical tools in order to advance efficiency, control, and analytics for increased financial sophistication.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to effectively explain accounting concepts to co-workers.
• Personable and able to speak constituents occasionally about questions.
• Capability of debating accounting actions in order to accurately reflect university records.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and nimble.
• Multi-tasking skills for managing and prioritizing deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phones, printers and light traffic).
• Interact with faculty, staff, students, and public on a consistent basis.
• Operate at a computer terminal for extended periods of time.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.
• It is important to note that while these physical requirements outline the general activities associated with the role, they are not exhaustive. The organization recognizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the workplace and is committed to adhering to ADA guidelines by considering individual capabilities and providing necessary reasonable accommodations and accessibility to enable all employees to succeed in their roles.
• Sitting or standing in an office environment for extended periods of time.
• Some lifting required – up to 50 pounds.

Work Hazards

• Work with computers, phones, printers, printer cartridges, and fax machines and general maintenance of this equipment.
• Movement of objects from place to place when necessary.
• Moving between buildings and offices for meetings, interviews, events and other instances.
• Periodic exposure to office cleaning supplies; standard household chemical substance exposure.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• 5-7 years non-profit background and experience.
• 5-7 years of preparing and presenting financial statements.
• 5-7 years of professional experience working with general ledgers and tax coding.

Desired Qualifications

• CPA, although current certificate is not necessary.
• Experience in large non-profit organization.
• Prior experience in public accounting.
• Previous college or university business office experience.
• Prefer 10-15 years of applicable experience.

Coordination/Coaching

• Some professional development in order to maintain accounting and advancement knowledge.
• Collaborative relationship with Associate Vice President, Administration & Finance/ University Controller and other accountants in order to maintain shared goals and objectives for the university.
• Advise campus employees on proper accounting entries and decisions.
• Listen to and consult with the staff members in the Business Office to improve procedures so the office can consistently improve its service to its various constituencies.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Endowment investment tracking, quarterly income allocation, annual draw calculations, general maintenance.
• Advise on 990 tax return reconciliation and coding, preparation of information for tax schedules.
• Audit work papers and schedules for endowment, restricted funds, plant fund, and other overall tying out of net assets and statement of activities for audit report preparation.
• Assist in preparing monthly financial statements with other accountants. 
• Indirect cost calculation (every 5 years).
• Leases, mergers, acquisitions, bonds, fixed assets, other pronouncements as needed.
• Posting journal entries as required.
• May be required to serve on committees and special projects.

Other Information

• All Augustana University Employees must know and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety trainings, proactively promote safety at work and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and collaborative efforts to drive innovation and implement forward-thinking solutions.

Application Procedure: 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants are asked to complete the below application materials. These application materials should be submitted in one document to our career center. If assistance is needed during the application process, please contact humanresources@augie.edu.

• Letter of interest
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Contact information for at least three references 

Augustana University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Title IX Employer. Applicants must comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act and may be required to submit official transcripts upon employment. Finalist candidates must satisfactorily complete a pre-employment background check.