Accountant of Operations

Accountant of Operations

Summary

This position supports the SAU Controller, and thereby, the SAU CFO, in the oversight of financial operations and routine accounting functions within a Christ-centered higher education environment. The role contributes to audit preparation, financial compliance, and continuous improvement of accounting processes and systems.

This position offers tremendous opportunity for professional growth within the University’s Accounting function.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with financial ERP, accounting system improvements, integrations, and process enhancements.
• Support chart of accounts maintenance and communications, including restructuring and optimization for reporting and compliance needs.
• Contribute to timely month-end closing initiatives (such as credit card administration, journal entries, etc.) and related process improvements.
• Enforce controls and institutional policy, while continuously researching and suggesting enhancements to existing controls.
• Assist with annual audit preparation, schedules, and external auditor requests.
• Develop working knowledge of financial aid accounting and collaborate with the Financial Aid office in accordance with institutional policies and procedures to reconcile certain student accounts.
• Utilize technology to improve efficiency, reporting accuracy, and data analysis capabilities.
• Aid in the budgetary monitoring and management assistance process.
• Support other accounting personnel and train cross-functionally to meet team goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or similar major.
• At least 2 years of previous experience working as an operational accountant, or similar role. in a higher education or nonprofit sector, or public sector audit experience.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, particularly in fund accounting.
• Advanced Excel and technology skills.
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and proactively anticipate and address the financial needs of departments University-wide.
• Ability to work independently with efficiency, dedication, and excellent time management.
• The individual will exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept and Community Covenant.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong comprehension of double-entry journals in fund accounting.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit GAAP, particularly in fund accounting.
• Basic or developed knowledge of sales tax, tax exemption, and cross-state business transactions.
• Power Query BI skills.
• Working knowledge of Oracle ERP and/or other cloud-based accounting systems.
• Basic or growing knowledge of AI agents and tools (how they work, how to query them, monitoring needs, etc.)
• CPA Certification a plus, but not required.

Experience working in multicultural academic environments preferred and individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Spring Arbor University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is both our moral and legal obligation to ensure that all employment practices are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner.

In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state statutes, all employment decisions and practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law.

We evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job.

As a Christian religious organization, Spring Arbor University operates under the religious exemption provided by federal law, which permits religious organizations, including educational institutions, to give employment preference to individuals who share the University's closely held religious beliefs.

The University's hiring practices and equal employment policies are administered in full compliance with both federal and state law.