The Senior Accountant reports to and works under the supervision of the Controller and plays a vital role in the financial management of the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI), ensuring the accuracy of financial records, compliance with applicable regulations, and the integrity of the College's accounting systems. This position performs a wide range of accounting functions, supports financial reporting, and provides oversight to ensure compliance with state and institutional policies. The Senior Accountant will work in and become proficiency in the Ellucian Colleague ERP system.
Typical Job Functions
Perform accounting duties including:
Bank reconciliations, purchase card reconciliations, and journal entries.
Month-end and year-end closings and related reporting.
Time and effort reporting, accounts payable (AP) check verification, and financial aid payment processes.
Provide oversight of expenditures to ensure compliance with CEI and the State of Idaho purchasing guidelines.
Maintain and manage Ellucian Colleague ERP system functions, including:
Fee input, course setup, 1098-T tax reporting, and resolution of related issues.
Execute and/or coordinate general accounting and related activities.
Prepare, examine, and analyze financial records and management reports for accuracy and compliance.
Produce accurate and timely monthly financial statements, ensuring deadlines established by management are met.
Support the preparation and submission of state and federal tax and compliance reporting.
Assist with external audit activities, providing required documentation and analysis.
Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and accounting standards (e.g., GASB, FASB).
Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Key Responsibilities (Expanded)
Financial Reporting:
Prepare detailed financial summaries and reports to support data-driven decision-making.
Monitor restricted funds, grants, and contracts for compliance with applicable regulations.
Assist with budget preparation and variance analysis to ensure effective resource allocation.
Compliance and Grants Management:
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional financial regulations, including grant guidelines.
Maintain accurate documentation to support institutional audits and compliance reviews.
System Optimization:
Collaborate with IT and other departments to enhance Ellucian Colleague ERP functionality.
Train staff on finance-related modules and processes.
Process Improvement:
Identify opportunities for enhancing efficiency in accounting practices and internal controls including potentially use of automation and artificial intelligence
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, OR an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
Experience preparing financial summaries and reports using financial record-keeping methods.
Familiarity with fund accounting principles and standards (e.g., GASB).
Strong proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Excel.
Incumbent must reside in Idaho (Currently CEI doesn't sponsor H-1B Visas)
Additional Desired Qualifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Bilingual proficiency (Spanish).
Experience working in higher education, government, or nonprofit organizations.
Knowledge of Idaho state financial regulations applicable to community colleges.
Bilingual (Spanish)
Additional Desired Skills
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet strict deadlines.
Familiarity and experience working with Artificial Intelligence
Physical Demands and Work Environment:Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.
Onsite work is essential and regular predictable attendance is required. Employees may be required to work at occasional events and handle tasks outside of regular working hours.
Background Investigations:
Employment at College of Eastern Idaho will be contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation and may require a credit and/or motor vehicle background investigation depending on the position. Please refer to Policy 225: Background Checks
AA/EOE/ADA - Hiring is done without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. In addition, preference may be given to qualified veterans under state and federal laws and regulations.
