"Non-Teaching Adjunct, Level 4 - Accounting and Reporting"

GENERAL DUTIES

Completes non-teaching projects or complex work in support of a Campus or University administrative or academic department. This work is generally of a temporary nature and requires specialized experience or expertise.

CONTRACT TITLE

Non-Teaching Adjunct

FLSA

Exempt

CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) is the focal point for advanced teaching and research at CUNY, the nation’s largest urban public university. With over 35 doctoral and master's programs of the highest caliber, the Graduate Center fosters pioneering research and scholarship in the arts and sciences and prepares students for careers in universities and the private, nonprofit, and government sectors. The Graduate Center's commitment to research and scholarship for the public good is exemplified by its more than 30 centers, institutes, and initiatives, including its Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), a 200,000 square-foot facility in upper Manhattan, designed to promote collaboration among scientists in five areas of global research and innovation: nanoscience, photonics, structural biology, neuroscience, and environmental sciences.

The Graduate Center (GC) benefits from highly ambitious and diverse students and alumni who, in turn, teach hundreds of thousands of undergraduates every year. Through its public programs, the Graduate Center enhances New York City's intellectual and cultural life.

The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a part-time Non-Teaching Adjunct to support the Accounting and Reporting Manager in the Controller’s Office. This temporary role will focus on key accounting tasks that can be delegated for efficiency, including financial reporting assistance, audit preparation, reconciliations, and maintenance of financial schedules. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented accounting professional (or graduate student) looking to contribute to a higher education finance team in a flexible, part-time capacity.

This part-time position is for approximately 10-15 hours per week. The incumbent will report to the Controller.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting Assistance: Help prepare and update financial reports for various funding sources (tax-levy, non-tax-levy, Research Foundation, and other related entities) to ensure timely and accurate reporting. This includes assisting in the development, maintenance, and distribution of periodic financial statements and management reports.
• Audit Support and Documentation: Assist in compiling audit documentation and schedules in preparation for annual and interim audits and Central Office requests. This includes helping to prepare semi-annual and annual financial statements and providing support to external auditors, and CUNY Central Office of Budget and Finance by organizing financial records and explanations as needed.
• Account Reconciliations: Conduct monthly account reconciliations to maintain accuracy of the general ledger. Key tasks include performing monthly bank reconciliations and monitoring investment account balances, investigating and resolving any discrepancies in a timely manner. Additionally, ensure that any differences identified in these reconciliations are properly documented and reported.
• Journal Entries and Closing: Prepare routine journal entries (e.g. accruals, adjustments) and assist with month-end and year-end closing processes. The adjunct will help ensure that all financial transactions are recorded correctly and will support the preparation of draft financial statements or reports as needed for review by management.
• Chargebacks and Fixed Asset Schedules: Maintain internal financial schedules, including the charge-back database and fixed asset depreciation schedules. This involves updating records of inter-departmental chargebacks (and preparing related invoices) and keeping the fixed asset register up to date with acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation, ensuring these schedules reconcile with the general ledger.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Provide support for other accounting tasks or special projects as needed to assist the Controller’s Office. This may include helping with internal control procedures (e.g. positive pay processes) or any additional responsibilities that arise within the scope of the department’s accounting and reporting functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. (An advanced degree in accounting or progress toward CPA certification is a plus.)

• Experience: At least 1-3 years of relevant accounting or financial experience, preferably in general ledger accounting, financial reporting, and/or audit support. Experience in a non-profit, government, or fund accounting environment is highly desirable. Experience with CUNYfirst or other enterprise financial systems is strongly preferred.
• Accounting Knowledge: Solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and basic accounting practices. Familiarity with fund accounting or non-profit accounting standards is a strong plus.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications. Experience with financial ERP systems or accounting software (e.g., PeopleSoft/CUNYfirst or similar) is preferred.
• Analytical & Organizational Skills: Excellent attention to detail, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Able to perform accurate reconciliations and manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to clearly document work and collaborate with team members. Must be able to work both independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Professionalism: High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential financial information. A proactive and responsible work ethic, with a willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks.

COMPENSATION

$66.08-$68.72/hour

BENEFITS

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet the eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY

Please click on "Apply Now" which will bring you to the registration screen. If you are a new user, you must register to apply. If you already have a user ID, please use your existing ID to apply. Applicants should submit a resume and a brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience and availability.

This part-time appointment is an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional to gain experience in higher education financial operations while providing valuable support in a flexible work arrangement. We encourage both internal and external candidates who meet the qualifications to apply.