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Location: Raleigh, NC
Essential Job Duties:
Whether you are a detail-oriented accounting professional who enjoys solving complex financial challenges or a finance leader who thrives in a dynamic, evolving environment, this is an opportunity to bring your expertise to an organization focused on growth and reinvention. The Lead Accountant is part of the NCSCaLE Business Office and supports the Assistant Vice Provost for Business Operations in managing complex, specialized accounting and financial activities across multiple departments and programs.
Working across multiple business units and programs, this role applies accounting principles and practices to a broad range of budgeting, cost accounting, financial reporting, and fiscal functions. You will help ensure financial activities are accurate, well-coordinated, and aligned with organizational priorities while providing financial insight and support to assigned units.
Key Responsibilities
Budget Oversight & Forecasting
- Manage and analyze budgets across several departments, programs, and assigned unit portfolios
- Develop, update, and evaluate internal budgets; forecast expenditures and revenues to support financial planning and decision-making
- Prepare and interpret financial reports and provide recommendations to program operations and leadership
- Develop end-of-year spending plans and recommend strategies to ensure funds are appropriately utilized
- Coordinate new fiscal year budget development for assigned departments and programs
- Support Administrative and Marketing Services cost allocation analysis, including annual rate development and reporting
- Perform payroll reconciliations and redistributions
- Review and process financial transactions, including vouchers, marketplace orders, requisitions, journal entries, interdepartmental transfers, and travel reimbursements
- Review purchase orders and requisitions to ensure appropriate use of assigned funds
- Identify and resolve data inaccuracies, unusual transactions, and complex accounting issues through appropriate financial processes
- Audit PCard transactions and supporting documentation for compliance with university policies and procedures; complete monthly reconciliations and statement submissions
- Process Momentus refunds and payments and complete REPORTER financial setup for non-credit registration activities
- Support cash and check receipting processes and maintain compliance with established internal controls
- Serve as a backup to other accountants to maintain continuity of financial operations
- Prepare and reconcile account reports and financial statements requiring interpretation and analysis of accounting records
- Develop and implement control systems for determining and distributing costs
- Collaborate with administrators to develop, operate, and evaluate accounting systems and financial processes
- Examine accounting documents and records to verify accuracy, compliance with policies and procedures, and adherence to accounting standards
- Independently research and resolve complex financial problems where no clear precedent exists, including the implementation of new accounting structures
- Maintain effective internal controls across assigned financial processes and activities
- Verify compliance with university, state, and federal accounting policies, procedures, and standards
- Support audit readiness through accurate documentation, reconciliations, financial reviews, and compliance checks
- Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve processes, and maintain the integrity of financial data
- Provide direct supervision to an Accountant I, including assigning and prioritizing work, supporting performance, and ensuring workflow continuity and compliance
- Serve as a financial business partner to department heads, program directors, and other stakeholders by communicating financial information clearly and providing practical recommendations
- Collaborate with university departments and business services professionals to address financial and operational needs and leverage available resources
- Communicate financial information and recommendations effectively with various audiences while maintaining responsive and professional customer service
Other Work/Responsibilities:
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.
Minimum Experience/Education:
Require post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years experience; a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced proficiency with Google and Microsoft applications, including Gmail, Sheets, Docs, Word, Excel, and Power BI.
- Knowledge of budgeting practices, financial procedures, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Familiarity with organizing, planning, and prioritizing work while managing multiple demands, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities.
- Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to provide responsive customer service and collaborate with various stakeholders.
- Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information, with strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a closely related field with at least two years of related experience.
- Experience working in higher education, preferably at NC State or another public institution.
- Familiarity with North Carolina and NC State fiscal policies, procedures, and financial practices.
- Experience using PeopleSoft Financials or similar enterprise financial systems.
Required License or Certification:
N/A
AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.