Senior Accountant - Endowment and Gifts Accounting

Fulfills the mission of Norwich University by being responsible for the accounting, reporting, reconciliation, and compliance oversight of the University's endowment funds, donor-restricted gifts, and related investment activities. This position ensures accurate financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donor intent, institutional policies, and applicable regulations.

Serves as a key liaison between Finance, Development, Investment Management, and academic departments, supporting the stewardship of donor funds and the integrity of endowment accounting. The position plays a critical role in audits, annual financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with gift agreements and endowment spending policies.

Hybrid work schedule may be authorized for this position. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Endowment Accounting

1. Maintains accounting records for all endowment funds, including true endowments, term endowments, annuities, and quasi-endowments.
2. Records endowment contributions, investment activity, spending distributions, fees, and reallocations.
3. Reconciles endowment balances between the general ledger, investment custodian statements, and endowment management systems.
4. Monitors compliance with donor restrictions and applicable state and federal regulations, including Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA).
5. Calculates and records endowment spending allocations in accordance with university policies.

Gift Accounting

1. Reviews, reconciles, and monitors charitable contributions, pledges, planned gifts, and donor-restricted gifts.
2. Ensures gifts are accurately classified and recorded in compliance with donor agreements and accounting standards.
3. Reconciles gift activity between Development systems and the general ledger.
4. Collaborates with Development staff to resolve discrepancies and improve data integrity.
5. Monitors restricted fund balances and ensure expenditures comply with donor intent.

Financial Reporting

1. Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports related to endowments, gifts, and restricted funds.
2. Supports preparation of audited financial statements and related disclosures.
3. Prepares and analyzes schedules supporting net assets with donor restrictions.
4. Assists in developing management reports for university leadership, trustees, and investment committees.
5. Provides financial analysis related to endowment performance, gift utilization, and fund activity.

Audit and Compliance

1. Serves as primary contact for external auditors regarding endowment, investment, and gift accounting.
2. Prepares audit workpapers and supporting documentation.
3. Ensures compliance with GAAP, institutional policies, investment policy, donor agreements, and regulatory requirements.
4. Assists with implementation and documentation of internal controls over gifts, endowments, and investments.

Process Improvement

1. Identifies opportunities to enhance accounting processes, reporting capabilities, and internal controls.
2. Participates in financial system upgrades, integrations, and process automation initiatives.
3. Develops and maintains policies and procedures related to gift and endowment accounting.
4. Provides training and guidance to departmental stakeholders regarding restricted funds and endowment management.

Other Functions

1. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive or private information.
2. Communicates with employees, students, and others in a respectful and clear manner.
3. Serves on University committees, councils, workgroups, or other designated bodies as assigned.
4. Achieves, maintains proficiency in, and utilizes computers, telephones, and other job-related equipment, including related systems and software.
5. Speaks, reads, and writes in English.
6. Communicates by telephone, email, letter, in person, or other means or device.
7. Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Public accounting experience preferred. 
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations with significant endowment assets preferred. 
• Experience with fund accounting, nonprofit accounting, higher education accounting, or endowment accounting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Knowledge of UPMIFA, donor-restricted funds, and investment accounting preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems preferably Banner or similar platforms preferred. 
• Familiarity with development and fundraising systems preferred. 
• Ability to interpret and apply donor gift agreements and fund restrictions.
• Excellent analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with finance, development, auditors, investment managers, and university leadership.
• Proficiency with financial reporting and data analysis tools.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook) Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Work some evening or weekend hours

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor work at a computer workstation.
• Low level of exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes.