"Senior Accountant"

Senior Accountant

Company: Western Governors University

Job Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Category: Business and Financial Services

Type: Full-Time

Job Type: Full time

Job Number: JR-024567

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Professional 308 Pay Range: $73,000.00 - $109,400.00

Job Description

The Senior Accountant will manage complex accounting tasks, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and reports. They will prepare and analyze general ledger entries, reconcile accounts, oversee fixed asset management, and assist with audits, all while ensuring compliance with GAAP. Additionally, the Senior Accountant will support financial planning and process improvements and contribute to the overall financial health of the university.

The Senior Accountant is a key individual contributor who applies strong accounting judgment, supports audits and reporting, and contributes to continuous improvement of accounting processes.

What You Will Do

• Prepare and record journal entries, including daily bank activity and other routine and non-routine transactions.
• Assist with preparing and recording investment-related entries, as applicable.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end close activities, including preparation and posting of general ledger entries.
• Reconcile general ledger and subsidiary accounts on a monthly basis; research and resolve discrepancies.
• Analyze account activity and financial trends to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain and reconcile subsidiary ledgers by verifying, allocating, posting, and reconciling transactions.
• Support effective internal controls by following established procedures and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and related reports.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and support to staff and cross-functional partners.
• Research accounting issues and apply professional judgment to daily and non-routine matters.
• Support audit preparation and execution, including documentation and auditor requests.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date accounting records and documentation.
• Serve as backup for other accounting functions as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
• Support special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned by accounting leadership.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to apply accounting judgment to complex or non-routine issues.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience working with financial systems and data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain accounting concepts to non-accounting partners.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues, recommend solutions, and support process improvements.
• Commitment to accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in an accounting or finance function.
• Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of the role may be considered in lieu of a degree at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA certification or CPA-eligible.
• Experience supporting audits and complex reconciliations.
• Experience providing guidance or mentoring to peers (without formal supervisory responsibility).

Working Conditions

This hybrid position is primarily based on-site Monday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely on Fridays.

What You'll Receive as a Full-Time WGU Employee

• Comprehensive healthcare: medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental health support
• HSA and FSA options
• Life and disability insurance, with optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Legal assistance and identity protection
• Retirement savings plan
• Wellbeing programs
• Discounted WGU tuition for you and your family
• Flexible PTO and Sick time - no accrual required
• 11 paid holidays
• Additional paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave

Explore the full benefits overview at https://wgubenefits.com.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

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