What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant position at Vanderbilt University?
Position Summary:
The Accountant position supports the accounting operations of Vanderbilt University by partnering with the Accounting Manager and Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting to ensure the General Ledger is up to date with the most accurate information, analyzes and reviews financial data, and prepares reports for both internal and external purposes. The Accountant must display a comprehensive understanding of Vanderbilt’s mission and vision and strive to meet Finance departmental goals by demonstrating an understanding of academic accounting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Vanderbilt University policies and procedures. This position will focus on fixed asset and capital project accounting.
As a member of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Team, the Accountant facilitates and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with Vanderbilt’s faculty, and students and identifies additional ways to be of service, ensuring customer satisfaction.
About the Work Unit:
The Accounting and Financial Reporting team is the single point of contact for all centralized accounting and financial reporting activities of the university. This team maintains the general ledger and chart of accounts and implements internal controls to ensure the integrity of financial records and reporting for Vanderbilt. This team collaboratively approaches accounting and financial reporting topics and questions and maintains effective and efficient accounting operations that ensure the accuracy of financial information in compliance with all financial regulations and university policies and procedures.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Review routine transactions for proper chart of accounts coding.
Available to provide customer service to university departments. Responsibilities include working to resolve various issues such as recording transactions, reconciling accounts and communicating process and policy changes.
Prepare monthly general ledger account reconciliations timely and elevate issues to the Accounting Manager and Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting.
Assist with developing and documenting business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
Evaluate and recommend improvements in accounting system procedures to ensure accurate application of accounting principles.
Participate regularly in process improvement initiatives under indirect supervision and oversight.
Apply critical thinking to financial and other information presented within the scope of responsibilities, research issues/questions related to financial data, and communicate information to management in a timely and effective manner.
Manage a high-volume workload based on weekly, monthly or quarterly deadlines.
Demonstrate knowledge of accounting principles with strong analytical and accounting skills and familiarity with GAAP, as well as an ability to grasp university policies and procedures.
Accounting software skills and ability to create and analyze financial reports. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite programs.
Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff and departments to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and effectively handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline driven environment.
Strong verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to excel in fast-paced, changing, and challenging environments.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position reports administratively and functionally to the Accounting Manager.
Education and Certifications:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting or finance is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
2 years of accounting experience is necessary.
Skill in Excel and Word applications is necessary.
Time management skills and the ability to work well in a team environment is necessary.
Knowledge of accounting principles and general ledger is necessary.
Proven detail-oriented work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is preferred.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, understanding their needs and goals is preferred.
Ability to work co-operatively with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively, is preferred.
Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups is preferred.
Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is preferred.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders is preferred.