What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant position at Northwest Nazarene University Inc?
Description
Description of Position
The Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant supports the Controller in managing the University’s accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applicable to higher education. This position plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of financial data and supporting effective decision-making across campus. The role works collaboratively with departments such as Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Payroll, and Human Resources, and provides leadership and support for accounting processes, audits, and reporting. As an integral member of the finance team, the Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant helps strengthen the University’s financial stewardship in alignment with its mission and values.
This is an onsite, full-time (1.0) exempt, 12-month position that reports directly to the Controller.
Essential Functions
Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare and review monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger analyses
- Support monthly soft close and annual year-end close processes
- Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements and supporting schedules for the external audit
- Coordinate the annual IRS Form 990 preparation and filing
- Assist with development and implementation of accounting policies and internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance
Accounts Receivable & Tax Compliance
- Oversee non-student accounts receivable, including invoicing, collections, and reconciliations
- Assist in the preparation and filing of monthly state tax reports and remittances (Sales/Use Tax, Travel & Convention Tax, etc.)
- Review and maintain vendor tax identification information; prepare and submit annual Form 1099s
Budgeting & Departmental Support
- Provide financial reporting and budget analysis support for departments across the University
- Assist in the preparation and maintenance of the annual institutional budget
Operational & Team Support
- Review and approve Accounts Payable check and direct deposit batches
- Monitor Positive Pay exceptions through Banking system
- Crosstrain and provide backup support for key accounting functions (invoicing, cash disbursements, U-Card processing, etc.)
- Support financial process improvements and participate in system upgrades or implementations
- Serve on committees, task forces, special projects
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Minimum of three years of progressive accounting experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and familiarity with nonprofit or higher education accounting principles
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and aptitude for learning new financial systems
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to accuracy and detail
- Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
- All candidates must have a Christian perspective (preferably in the Wesleyan tradition) and must be comfortable with and in agreement with the mission and lifestyle values of NNU
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA license (active or in progress).
- Experience in fund accounting and/or ERP systems used in higher education.
- Supervisory or project leadership experience
Compensation
Salary will be determined by the educational background and experience of each applicant. Full-time personnel will be offered access to a benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance for employee and family, life and disability insurance, flexible spending plan, tuition benefits, annual leave, sick leave, opportunities for professional development, and a retirement program.
Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted, and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).