Financial Accountant

Job Title:          Financial Accountant (Hybrid)
Department:     Finance & Accounting
Reports to:       Director of Financial Services
FLSA Status:    Exempt

Job Summary

The Financial Accountant will manage advanced accounting and compliance responsibilities related to grant funds and student accounts, while providing high-level financial and analytical support to the Finance Office. This role uses sound independent judgment to ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls. The Financial Accountant oversees student billing and accounts receivable, supports audits, and works closely with campus partners to maintain effective financial practices and deliver excellent service to students and stakeholders.

This position reports directly to the Director of Financial Services.

 Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

•  Independently manage grant accounting activities, including tracking revenues and expenses and ensuring compliance with approved budgets and grantor requirements.
• Prepare grant financial reports and assist program staff with budget-to-actual reviews.
• Administer the student billing system and set up tuition, fees, housing, and other student charges by term.
• Reconcile the student billing subledger to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage student accounts receivable, including aging analysis and follow-up.
• Process refunds in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Title IV requirements, refund policies, and return-of-funds calculations.
• Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and documentation for annual audits and grant-specific audits.
• Participate in monthly close, journal entries, and general ledger maintenance.
• Support annual budgeting and periodic financial reporting.
• Collaborate with Offices of Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Housing, and Institutional Advancement.
• Assist with system testing, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Provide guidance and training to staff on billing and compliance procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of nonprofit or higher-education accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP for nonprofits and higher education.
• Working knowledge of Title IV and student account regulations preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel and familiarity with accounting/student information systems.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and work with minimal supervision.

Job Competencies

For placement in this job, individual must demonstration proficiency for each of the following competencies at the level defined.

• Attendance and Punctuality
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Computer Literacy
• Integrity
• Problem Solving
• Quality Orientation
• Results Orientation
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork
• Technical Usage
• Sound judgement