Senior Accountant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Howard University is seeking an initiative-taking professional to join the Financial Reporting team in a Senior Accountant, Financial Reporting role. This high visibility team is part of the Controller's Office and is responsible for leading the University's year-end Consolidated Financial Reporting, Quarterly Bank Reporting, stand-alone reporting for certain divisions (WHUT, Hospital, Athletic's NCAA, etc.), and University-wide financial surveys. In addition, this team leads research, drafts, and reviews accounting memos for technical, complex, non-standard, and/or significant accounting transactions and provides guidance to relevant stakeholders. This individual will be reporting to the Senior Manager of Financial Reporting. This role will allow the opportunity for telework.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Limited supervisory authority. Provide guidance to more junior team members as needed.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Ability to establish and maintain respectful and collaborative working relationships with staff, faculty, students, and stakeholders, including the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Collaborate with General Accounting, Divisional Finance Leads, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment and continuous improvement of the financial close process.
• Lead efforts for continuous improvement over the design, implementation, and maintenance of effective internal controls over financial reporting throughout the organization.
• Prepare information used for internal and external reporting (Month-end financial results, Quarterly Bank Reporting, Consolidated Financial Statements, etc.).
• Support Managers (+) with ad hoc requests, including opportunities for cross-functional collaboration within the University (Office of the President, CFO, Treasurer, etc.).
• Participate in the month-end close process, including knowledge to complete complex accounting entries: ASC 606 revenue recognition, ASC 842 Lessor, and Lessee, and inter-company transactions.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Working knowledge of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, accounting for not-for-profit entities, including strong research and analysis skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to grammar and diction.
• Ability to summarize impact of financial accounting and reporting requirements clearly and concisely.
• Initiative-taking, inquisitive, analytical; makes recommendations using acquired data and cumulative experience.
• Be an active and agile learner; able to enhance personal, professional, and business growth through new knowledge and experiences; able to readily apply experience to new situations to generate solutions to organization challenges.
• Detail-oriented; outstanding project management skills; delivers timely and accurate results under time sensitive conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field with at least 3 years of relevant work experience. Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license can replace 1 year of work experience. Master's degree or CPA, CA, CFA, CIA, or other accounting certification. Additional year(s) of relevant work experience or Public Accounting experience (at a generally recognized top 30 firm) can replace the requirement for having accounting certification(s). Ability to work overtime during busy periods (month-end, year-end, time sensitive projects). Prior experience in financial reporting; Public Accounting and/or auditing experience; accounting for NFP or HigherEd.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $95,454 - $105,000