Description

Accountant, Senior

Northern Arizona University

Special Information

• NAU is currently engaged in transitioning to a new employment category called University Staff, which aligns the current Classified Staff, Service Professional, and Administratorclassifications into a single, unified employment group. As a result, while this position is currently classified as Service Professional, effective July 1, 2026, this position will be automatically transitioned to the University Staffcategory.
• This position is a hybrid position which allows the incumbent to complete their work at both an NAU site, campus, or facility and at a non-centralized site with or without accommodation.

About the Department/College

NAU Advancement | Foundation engages students, alumni, parents, friends, and the broader NAU community to connect, invest, and inspire current and future Lumberjacks.

About the Position

The Accountant, Senior prepares and presents financial reports to ensure an accurate reflection of the foundation's financial position. Using advanced knowledge of non-profit accounting and accounting systems, the position will recommend new accounting and fiscal control policies to improve department performance and increase efficiency. The Accountant, Senior will research and respond to inquiries regarding foundation policies and procedures and work with the foundation controller to maintain or develop new policies and procedures. The position will also be responsible for account reconciliations, monthly journal entries, and other periodic tasks. The Accountant, Senior coordinates and provides guidance to lower-level employees to promote clarity within the unit. This position demonstrates knowledge and understanding of non-profit financial accounting.

Responsibilities Include

35% - Financial Reporting, Reconciliation, and Journal Entries

• Research transaction history of fund balance, create appropriate reports and explain transactions to non-accounting foundation and university staff.
• Prepare, produce, and present periodic financial reports for review and analysis.
• Prepare timely account reconciliations and accounting close entries to maintain accurate financial records for the foundation.
• Review and approve journal entries, invoices and other transactions for accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with creation of annual external audit and 990 schedules.

30% - Accounting Research & Guidance

• Research and provide guidance on how to properly account for transactions and/or processes to ensure accurate reflection of the foundation's financials.
• Provide guidance to campus partners regarding foundation policies and procedures.
• Identify, draft and/or update foundation policies and procedures to be relevant for changing business practices.

30% - Maintaining Data & Accounting Systems

• Identify opportunities to leverage technology, develop an implementation and training plan, and work with Controller and peers to implement the plan.
• Maintain and provide oversight of data and integrity of subledger and accounting systems. For example, reviewing and analyzing gift agreements for proper system setup.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or bachelor's in finance or business administration with an emphasis in accounting.
• 3 years of accounting experience in progressively more advanced roles, including:

• Experience with creation of audit schedules,
• Experience with accounting system administration and/or implementation.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Accounting experience in higher education.
• Accounting experience with a non-profit organization and the creation of 990 schedules.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of accounting tools, procedures, processes, policies, and concepts, such as preparation of financial statements, account reconciliations, journal entries, invoicing, revenue receipts, and other financial documents.
• Knowledge of financial reporting in higher education.
• Knowledge of university budgeting processes.
• Knowledge of financial reporting in non-profits.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Skill in writing detailed numerical computations and reports.
• Skill in computerized accounting systems and applications, such as accounting software.

Abilities

• Communicates effectively.
• Listens actively.
• Analyzes complex situations and anticipate issues.

Compensation

Salary range begins at $58,882. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an https://in.nau.edu/police-department/annual-security-and-fire-safety-reports/. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the https://in.nau.edu/police-department/annual-security-and-fire-safety-reports/ is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Submit your Application

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by midnight of the application deadline.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/7107923