Capital & Debt Accountant

Position Summary

As a member of the Controller's Office staff, the Capital and Debt Accountant will work directly with the Property Accounting Supervisor and is responsible for the following:

• Setup, capitalization, maintenance, and reporting of the University's capital projects
• Reporting of the University's outstanding debt transactions

This role involves attention to detail, effective communication with various departments, and proficient use of financial systems. This position plays a critical role in ensuring prompt and accurate reporting related to capital projects and debt within the University, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.

Workplace Requirements

Hybrid position: This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

$56,560 - $70,599
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
  + In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 2+ years of experience in capital and debt accounting
  + In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills

• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles
• Proficiency in financial reporting tools and Oracle ERP system
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to interpret trends from complex financial data
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and timeliness
• Ability to prioritize tasks and track multiple projects simultaneously

Essential Functions

Capital Accounting

• Receive and process new project requests, ensuring completeness and compliance with University policies
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all projects to ensure accurate and timely communication with University stakeholders regarding project status and budgetary information
• Analyze project financials to provide insights to management, aiding in informed decision-making regarding resource allocation and project prioritization
• Monitor project progress by reconciling Work in Progress (WIP) accounts, identifying and addressing variances or discrepancies as necessary
• Prepare financial statements and disclosures related to capital projects for external reporting purposes
• Conduct comprehensive monthly and quarterly analytical reviews of Property, Plant, and Equipment (PP&E)
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations related to capital transactions
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of capital accounting functions within the organization, implementing best practices and continuous improvement initiatives
• Additional duties as assigned

Debt Accounting

• Collaborate with the Treasury Office to record debt issuances, additions, and repayments
• Prepare and post monthly journal entries related to debt transactions, including interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs
• Facilitate the allocation of funding for capital projects, working closely with the Budget Office and Facilities & Capital Planning to apply funds appropriately and track expenditures
• Additional duties as assigned