What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant position at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Job Summary
The accountant, working with the Bursar, will reconcile and monitor all student receivable, third party billing accounts and collection agency activity, as well as assist with federal and institute reporting requirements. The accountant is also responsible for supporting the Institute’s human resources and finance functions around employee fringe benefits and compliance. The incumbent will track and monitor fringe benefit usage, reconcile data, manage purchasing and invoices related to employee compliance, and assist with processes required for employees working outside of New York State.
Who We Are
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in accounting, business administration, or related fields, and experience in a relevant accounting environment
Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years experience in a university or not-for-profit environment preferred
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Business Hours: Monday - Friday
Starting Salary/Rate
Expected hiring range: $62,400 - $69,500
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application Instructions
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
Job Posted Date
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation And Benefits Information
Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu) .
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
The accountant, working with the Bursar, will reconcile and monitor all student receivable, third party billing accounts and collection agency activity, as well as assist with federal and institute reporting requirements. The accountant is also responsible for supporting the Institute’s human resources and finance functions around employee fringe benefits and compliance. The incumbent will track and monitor fringe benefit usage, reconcile data, manage purchasing and invoices related to employee compliance, and assist with processes required for employees working outside of New York State.
Who We Are
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎
Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world.
With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in accounting, business administration, or related fields, and experience in a relevant accounting environment
Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
At least 2 years experience in a university or not-for-profit environment preferred
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Access).
- Knowledge of automated accounting systems.
- Broad knowledge of accounting principles, theories and concepts.
- Ability to analyze a diverse range of issues or problems including the research of relevant materials and the comparison and verification of information.
- Ability to provide resolutions using broad application of professional knowledge or to present options for resolution when problems are outside area of responsibility.
- Ability to interact with administrators throughout the campus.
- Good interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently at times, and the ability to obtain cooperation of other through negotiation and persuasion.
- Knowledge of FASB and not-for-profit guidelines and GAAP
- Knowledge of Banner software.
- Reconcile and monitor General Ledger accounts related to student AR, direct and indirect student loans, Federal Perkins loans, State financial aid programs, external scholarships, Veteran’s benefits, and billings from the Collegiate Store.
- Provide support for report preparation and work papers for annual audits and required filings with government agencies. Act as a liaison regarding student AR for all audits. Resolve issues and questions from the student accounts receivable general ledger.
- Develop and maintain a process for tracking employees working remotely from states other than New York. Communicate with employees as needed to confirm work location and logistics around state requirements.
- Coordinate necessary onboarding and offboarding tasks specifically for out-of-state employees. Assist with out-of-state employee state website/portal registrations, reporting, and payments.
- Review and analyze reports related to commuter, relocation, and moving expenses for tax implications.
- Perform account reconciliations for all employee benefit liability accounts. Track and coordinate purchase orders and invoice processing related to employee benefits and programs. Reconcile coverages and process invoices for payment for health and dental coverages.
- Analyze reports and data related to timesheet completion and PTO usage. Communicate with departments, as necessary, to train and teach appropriate processes.
- Assist with analyzing payments to determine appropriate taxability and reporting treatment, including gift payments or payments to international individuals or entities. Ensure compliance with tax regulations.
- Assist with annual Form 1099 reporting requirements through review of payments and updates to data in Banner that will ultimately populate the 1099 forms, as well as through weekly contractor files submitted to New York State.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Business Hours: Monday - Friday
Starting Salary/Rate
Expected hiring range: $62,400 - $69,500
Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.
Application Instructions
Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.
If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.
Job Posted Date
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Total Compensation And Benefits Information
Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu) .
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.
Salary : $62,400 - $69,500