Accountant

Occupational Summary:

The Accountant supports the accuracy and integrity of Beloit College's financial records. Reporting to the Controller, this position prepares and reviews accounting entries and reconciliations, assists with monthly and annual closing, maintains supporting schedules, and helps account for gifts, grants, endowments, and other restricted resources.

The Accountant works with Financial Services colleagues and campus departments to provide timely information and responsible stewardship in support of the College's educational mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Responsibilities

All duties, oversight, compliance, reporting, and systems responsibilities in this description apply only as they relate to the assigned areas of responsibility established by the Controller and within delegated authority.

General accounting and close Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for assigned balance sheet and operating accounts; investigate and resolve differences promptly.

Assist with monthly and year-end close, including accruals, allocations, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, and review of transactions for proper account and fund classification.

Maintain organized documentation and audit trails in the general ledger and related systems; follow established approval and segregation of duties controls.

Prepare routine financial reports and budget-to-actual analyses for review by the Controller; explain material variances and correct errors.

Restricted funds and grants Record and reconcile donor-restricted gifts, endowment activity, sponsored awards, and other designated funds according to College policy and applicable accounting guidance.

Review assigned grant and restricted fund activity against budgets, award terms, and donor restrictions; raise questions about allowability or classification to the Controller and responsible program staff. Support financial reporting, drawdowns, releases from restriction, and award closeout by assembling accurate schedules and documentation.

Audit, controls, and campus service Prepare schedules and records for the annual external audit, tax filings, and other required reports under the Controller's direction.

Assist with accounting for student receivables, payables, procurement, cash, capital projects, and leases as assigned; coordinate with Bursar Services, Advancement, and other offices to reconcile source records. Respond to faculty and staff inquiries about account activity and procedures with accuracy and discretion; refer policy exceptions and approval decisions to the appropriate manager.

Document recurring procedures, protect confidential information, and recommend improvements to accuracy, timeliness, and internal controls.

Credentials and Experience:

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant accounting experience.
• Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, financial statements, and spreadsheet analysis.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to meet recurring deadlines, and skill in investigating discrepancies.
• Clear communication, sound judgment, commitment to confidentiality, and ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Accounting experience in higher education or another nonprofit organization.
• Familiarity with nonprofit GAAP, donor restrictions, grant accounting, endowments, and financial information systems.
• Experience supporting an annual audit and preparing schedules for financial reporting.
• Key Competencies Financial stewardship, accountability, analytical judgment, collaboration, leadership within assigned responsibilities, and continuous improvement.
• Working Relationships and Accountability The Accountant reports to the Controller and works closely with colleagues in Financial Services, Advancement, academic and administrative departments, and external auditors as assigned.
• The position may also work with Admissions and Enrollment, Budget Managers, Cardholders, Compliance Staff, Contract Owners, Faculty, Families, Financial Aid, Registrar, Relevant Service Providers, Sponsors, Student Life, Students, and Technology Partners and Vendors for assigned responsibilities.
• This full-time position is based in Beloit, Wisconsin, in a standard office environment.
• Occasional extended hours may be required during close, audits, and system implementations, consistent with non-exempt scheduling and pay requirements.
• This description states the general nature and level of work; other related duties may be assigned within the position's assigned areas of responsibility.
• Beloit College is an equal opportunity employer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of general ledger accounting, journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, financial statements, and nonprofit fund accounting.
• Skill in spreadsheet analysis, financial system use, account research, and preparation of clear supporting schedules.
• Ability to apply donor restrictions and award terms to assigned transactions and recognize matters requiring the Controller's interpretation.
• Ability to identify inconsistencies, trace transactions to source records, and resolve discrepancies with complete documentation.
• Ability to organize recurring deadlines, communicate with campus colleagues, and safeguard confidential financial information.
• The intent of this job description is to provide the general nature and level of work required of employees who are assigned to this classification and shall not be constructed as an all-inclusive of duties and responsibilities.
• Employees may be instructed to perform job-related duties and responsibilities other than those specifically presented in this description.