"Staff Accountant"

Position Overview

The Staff Accountant is a key member of the Business Office, responsible for preparing journal entries and account reconciliations to support the monthly close and annual audit. This role is specifically assigned to support Grant Management, Student Accounts, Other Receivables, and Financial Reporting. The Staff Accountant reports to the Comptroller and working closely with colleagues in the Business Office, as well as other departments across campus.

Compensation

The expected starting salary range for this position is between $66,700 and $68,900. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

Grant Accounting

• Collaborate with the Grant Manager to assist with the college's portfolio of federal, state, and foundation grants and contracts.
• Review grant and contract proposals and support the configuration of new awards in Workday.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance.
• Provide post-award training and support to Principal Investigators. Monitor grant expenditures, verify indirect cost allocations, and support billing and collection processes.
• Prepare and reconcile accounts for sponsor receivables, grants receivable and deferred revenue, to ensure timely and accurate revenue recognition.

Student Accounting and Other Outside Receivables

• Assist the Student Accounts team with cash receipts and help resolve billing and collection inquiries during peak periods.
• Support the billing and collection of outside accounts receivable balances.
• Reconcile student accounts receivable, student loans, and deferred student revenue to ensure accurate revenue recognition.

Financial Accounting

• Manage the collection and entry of data for journal entry transactions.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues who initiate transactions to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare account reconciliations and balance them against the general ledger, researching and correcting discrepancies and recommending process improvements.
• Perform account analysis and monitor transaction activity for reasonableness and consistency.
• Help departments with routine inquiries, journal entry requests, and budget reporting.
• Assist with the year-end audit by preparing materials and responding to auditor inquiries.

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Data Specialist supporting Data Governance guidelines for data management and document retention
• Routine maintenance of Procedure Documentation for Cross-training and Continuity of Operations
• Active participation in testing of monthly Workday Updates and Semi-annual Releases
• Active engagement in professional development programs

Education/Experience/Skills

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 2–3 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, particularly Excel
• Experience with complex financial accounting systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP
• Excellent observation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a collaborative and inquisitive nature.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred

• CPA or experience at a CPA firm.
• Knowledge and experience with US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance
• Accounting experience at a college, university, or other large non-profit organization.
• Experience with the Workday enterprise management system.
• A strong commitment to collaboration and the ability to work on campus, especially during the initial year of employment.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• A positive attitude and a commitment to customer service and continuous learning.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to change.
• Problem solving – ability to research, analyze and collaborate to validate solutions

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.

Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Carleton also offers a robust suite of benefits including: A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution. Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Paid time-off, including 20 vacation days, 8 paid holidays, 3 floating holidays, 2 weather days, and extra days at the end of the calendar year to make a continuous week off before New Year’s. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees. A dependent tuition program after six years of service.

Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton College occupies more than 1,000 scenic acres of campus, arboretum, over 100 campus buildings, and athletic fields. Located 40 miles south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Carleton offers access to the cultural advantages of a major metropolitan area.