"Staff Accountant"

Job Details

Staff Accountant

JR10000000869
Williamstown, MA (Main Campus)

Williams College is excited to announce two openings for a Staff Accountant, reporting to the Assistant Controller in the Finance Department. As a member of the Finance Office team, the Staff Accountants support the fiscal operation and all financial planning functions of the college. This includes all general accounting processes, financial close, internal and external reporting, audit, tax and compliance filings.

Staff Accountants share in the responsibilities of the monthly, quarterly and annual reporting processes, including data validation, account reconciliations, and preparing schedules. They will partner in the evaluation of current operations and in advancing improvements for a better user experience, accuracy and access to information, and financial efficiency. This may include supporting the evaluation of technology, system configuration and process improvement initiatives. This position has a substantial customer service orientation, as it supports the Williams community as they navigate these processes.

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities assigned to each of the two positions will be determined in more detail based on the experience and skill set of the final candidates. These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Closing Processes:
  • Support monthly, quarterly, and annual closings through account reconciliations, correcting entries, and other tasks.
  • Prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor inquiries to support the fiscal year financial statement and uniform guidance audits.
  • Prepare tax return schedules.
• Operational Accounting:
  • Perform accounting adjustments (invoices, expense reports, reimbursements).
  • Prepare internal funding entries and research accounting issues.
  • Manage state charity/tax exempt filings and issue tax exempt certificates.
  • State sales tax, use tax, and performers tax filings.
  • Lead and assist with projects as needed including the application and enhancement of new accounting system functionality.
  • Data analysis and report preparation to support the office's regulatory reporting requirements and internal needs.
  • Monthly customer billing.
  • Serve as a liaison to the campus community.
• Banking and Cash Management:
  • Bank postings and reconciliation.
  • Record and reconcile investment activity.
  • Electronic payment processing.
  • Maintain the cash flow template and support cash management.
• Grant and Endowment Accounting:
  • Review, approve, and reconcile federal grant expenditures. Ensure expenditures are allowable and adequate supporting documentation has been submitted.
  • Gift recordkeeping and reconciliation.
  • Assist with endowment accounting and unitization.
• College Payments:
  • Review and approve new supplier registration records and certain payments.
  • Assist with the 1099 and 1042 filing processes.
• Other:
  • Participate in team activities, trainings and projects; provide backup support for other members of the team, and perform other duties as needed.
  • Data analysis and report preparation to support the office's regulatory reporting requirements and internal needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum of 2-5 years relevant work experience is required.
• Strong technical financial operation and accounting skills.
• Excellent customer service, problem solving and time management skills.
• Experience working with complex ERP and accounting systems.
• Strong computer skills including advanced Microsoft Excel, proficiency in greater Microsoft suite, proficiency in Google tools; knowledge of Workday preferred.
• Skills should include: excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication; strong attention to detail and accuracy; strong quantitative skills; good judgment, discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to interact with diverse constituencies; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously; ability to work as part of a team and independently.

A cover letter is required in order for your application to be considered. In your letter, please address how your experience is relevant to the position, populations you've worked with professionally, and what draws you to this role. Please highlight any experience you've had implementing/enhancing new accounting system functionality. Your cover letter should be included as a separate document when submitting your application.

Application review will begin on September 4, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Pay range is from $65,000 to $80,000, commensurate with experience.

Hybrid on-site/remote work arrangements may be available with approval for employees based in NY, MA, CT, or VT; subject to review and revision as policy evolves. This position requires a minimum 3 days per week of on-campus, in person work, following a fully in-person onboarding period.

This full-time position is eligible for Williams College's robust benefits package designed to support you in your work and overall health and wellness. Please visit http://careers.williams.edu to apply.

Employment at Williams is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant, including the completion of a criminal record check, and education when applicable. Decisions regarding appointments, promotions, and conditions of employment comply with applicable federal or state law prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service.

Beyond meeting fully its legal obligations for non-discrimination, Williams College is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn and thrive. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please feel free to contact us via phone at (413) 597-2681 or email at hr@williams.edu.

To apply, visit https://wd5.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/williamscollege/External_Career_Site/job/Williamstown-MA-Main-Campus/Staff-Accountant_JR10000000869.