Staff Accountant

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose:

The position of Staff Accountant at the university involves the preparation and maintenance of financial records within the Accounting and Finance Department. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President/Controller, the Staff Accountant is responsible for tracking the university's revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and other related financial activities. The primary purpose of this role is to contribute to the accurate and efficient management of the university's financial data and to support overall financial integrity. We enthusiastically welcome recent college graduates to apply for this position.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Bank Reconciliation

• Reconcile all bank accounts on a monthly basis.

• Investigate and resolve discrepancies between bank records and the general ledger.

• Monitor cash balances and report irregularities or unusual transactions.

General Ledger Maintenance

• Prepare and post journal entries.

• Perform account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.

• Ensure accuracy of financial records and compliance with GAAP.

Month-End and Year-End Closing

• Assist in the preparation and execution of monthly, quarterly, and annual closings.

• Generate and analyze trial balances and financial reports.

• Support audit preparation by providing schedules and documentation.

Accounts Payable and Receivable Support

• Review and process vendor invoices and employee reimbursements.

• Monitor aging reports and follow up on outstanding receivables.

• Ensure accurate coding and timely payment of liabilities.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare internal and external financial reports, including ad hoc analysis as requested.

Other Functions:  

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends.

• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

• Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

• Demonstrated commitment to developing and fostering best practices and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and build an environment in which all members of the University community are treated with respect and dignity.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including knowledge of proper phone etiquette.

• Strong customer service skills, along with the ability to effectively interact with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and vendors.

• Must be able to work independently and as a team member.

• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and multi-task.

• Must be an excellent problem solver, exercise good judgment and continuously improve office procedures.

• Tact, diplomacy, professional demeanor, and a high degree of confidentiality are a must at all times and especially during busy periods and stressful situations.

• Ability to follow up on pending issues.

• Ability to meet deadlines.

• Highly organized and detail oriented.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a specific emphasis on advanced Excel skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Working knowledge of GAAP.

• Strong numeracy and analytical skills.

• Preferred – 2 years of accounting experience.

Physical and Mental Requirements:  

Vision requirements (Especially relevant if driving is required by the job)

___     Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

___     Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

___     Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

___     Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

___     Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)

_X_     No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• 401k employer match

• Employee & dependent life insurance

• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents

• PTO program 

• Flexible work schedules / work from home opportunities

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.