Accountant

About the Position

This position is responsible for performing core accounting and financial reporting functions while also developing advanced analytical reports and dashboards to support data-driven decision-making. This role blends strong technical accounting expertise with modern data analytics skills, leveraging tools such as AI-enabled analytics, automation, Power Query, and Power BI to improve reporting accuracy, efficiency, and insight.

Responsibilities

• Prepares schedules, reports, and documentation to support audit requests;
• Assists with annual Higher Education filings under Comptroller’s Directive and other requirements per the state audit and reporting processes;
• Gathers and analyzes data to support financial analysis and reporting and prepare related journal entries with schedules (including but not limited to debt service);
• Assists with monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting including variance analysis, transaction research, and financial reporting. Perform balance sheet & P&L account reconciliations;
• Analyzes aggregate information received from Component Units (CU) and prepare the annual CU financial statements and footnotes;
• Reviews and analyzes complex accounting transactions against guidance (i.e. GASB 87-Leases, GASB-96 SBITAs, etc.) to prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and related year-end footnotes;
• Supports maintenance of Banner Chart of Accounts, such as new element workflow approvals, element inactivation and re-activation, and element changes needed due to departmental reorganizations;
• Designs, develops, and maintains financial dashboards and reports using Power BI;
• Utilizes Power Query to extract, transform, and model data from multiple systems;
• Applies data analytics techniques to identify trends and anomalies;
• Supports financial and analytical requests using structured and automated approaches;
• Leverages AI-enabled tools to enhance variance analysis, data validation, and reporting efficiency;
• Assists the Lead Accountant with financial reporting for the George Mason Research Foundation (GMRF);
• Provides support as needed and serve as backup for other staff members in Financial Reporting; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience with financial accounting processes including journal entries, account reconciliations, financial close, and financial reporting;
• Experience with Power BI and Power Query or similar data visualization and ETL tools;
• Experience in using AI, automation tools, or RPA within finance or accounting;
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. Ellucian Banner, Workday, Oracle);
• Demonstrated understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting principles;
• Knowledge of interpreting technical accounting guidance – preferably GAAP and relevant GASB/FASB pronouncements;
• Intermediate Excel skills with hands-on experience in data manipulation and analysis including advanced functions (e.g. Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, etc.);
• Effective oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to perform balance sheet & P&L account reconciliations;
• Demonstrated ability to analyze large datasets and communicate findings effectively;
• Ability to apply critical thinking; attention to detail; work independently; and focus on thoroughness and quality of information; and
• Ability to interact effectively with a wide range of people within the university community.