Home   |   About   |   Employment  |   Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL, invites applicants for the position of Staff Accountant. This is an on-campus, full-time position and is eligible for a competitive compensation and benefits package.

The Staff Accountant conducts day-to-day treasury functions and assists Student Financial Services in reviewing correct posting of accounts receivable activities. The individual in this role will develop a detailed understanding of revenue generating processes, including student invoicing, financial aid processing, and sponsored program and federal fund grants. A thorough understanding of the chart of accounts and the ability to connect business processes to accounting practices are critical in this role. This position requires the ability to be a collaborative problem-solver and communicate effectively. As a member of a small, cross-functional team, this position will be instrumental in contributing to changes in policies and procedures that improve efficiency and remain consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the directives of the National Association of Colleges and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Financial Accounting and Reporting Manual for Higher Education, and the University’s Board of Trustees policies and procedures.

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Treasury Activities

  • Reviews banking transactions daily and gather supporting documentation for each entry, reporting and correcting discrepancies.
  • Update accounts payable sub-ledger with cleared check information.
  • Prepares journal entries for the general ledger and various subsidiary ledgers by compiling, researching, and analyzing data regarding updates needed.
  • Serves as liaison for areas on campus with revenue generating activities with payment processors.
  • Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations for all cash accounts.
  • Investigates, compiles, and submits unclaimed property to state authorities.
  • Assists with the preparation of periodic cash reports identifying sources and uses of cash

Student Financial Services Activities

  • Review and reconcile third party postings to student accounts with cash receipts.
  • Reconcile accounts receivable daily balances to banking transactions.
  • Confirm receipt of funds from federal and state agencies for financial aid and record corresponding bank transactions on the general ledger.
  • Assist with preparation of the Schedule of Federal Awards for annual financial audit.

General Accounting Activities

  • Responsible for daily billing, posting and report processes.
  • Reconcile non-cash balance sheet items.
  • Prepare and upload bulk journal entry feeds.
  • Conducts routine account analysis to ensure accuracy and propriety of accounting entries.
  • Initiate correcting journal entries as needed.
  • Participates in developing best practices, policies and procedures for accounting activities.
  • Assists with fiscal year end close procedures and financial reporting.

Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
  • Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in accounts receivable and/or treasury management.
  • One to two years of experience with enterprise business systems and Microsoft Office products.
  • Thorough understanding of accounting principles.
  • Candidates must show evidence of problem-solving, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and strong verbal and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in higher education or other not-for-profit accounting.
  • Experience with Ellucian Colleague enterprise business system.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

HOURS/CONDITIONS:

Office environment; 40 hours per week, normally 8:00am – 5:00pm; some evening and weekend work may be required.

 

McKendree University, Illinois’ first and finest, is a private university in Lebanon, IL, just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, home of the 11-time World Series champs (St. Louis Cardinals) and the 2019 Stanley Cup winner (St. Louis Blues). St. Louis also boasts a wonderful zoo, a first-rate botanical garden, a vibrant art scene (both performing and visual), and a plethora of top-notch restaurants. 

Interviews will begin immediately. Qualified candidates should complete and submit the McKendree Employment Application and send a letter of interest referencing Job #ACC61 with a resume/CV and contact information for three professional references to the Human Resources Department at hr@mckendree.edu.

McKendree is an ADA/EEO/Vet/Disabled employer committed to enhancing the cultural and gender diversity of the campus. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.