Senior Accountant

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. BASIC FUNCTION: Under direction of the Assistant Director of Research Operational Controls, this position prepares financial reports, approves requisitions, payroll requests, travel and travel reimbursements, P-Cards, etc. Maintains financial records in a computerized database. Incumbent will also prepare comprehensive settlement and close out reports for various grants in the University. SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: None NATURE AND SCOPE: Internal contacts include administrators and program staff, faculty, principal investigators and students of the University. External contacts Include representatives from government and private granting agencies, external auditors and regulatory agencies. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Post award administration in the Grants and Contracts Department Processes financial reports, approves requisitions, payroll requests, travel and travel reimbursements, P-Cards, etc. Reviews and corrects payments requests submitted by departmental administrators, budget officers, etc. Update, maintain and correct award profile data and budget management. Makes journal entries, adjusts entries, and cancels encumbrances on a regularly scheduled basis to account for billing to funding agencies and private institutions. Approves and processes on-line purchase requests, travel, P-Card, etc. on a regularly scheduled basis. Reviews/researches/approves travel request documents for department representative or other Accountants. Prepares and submits comprehensive reports of expenditures for grants and contracts, to various governmental and private agencies. Provides technical assistance on the procedures and regulations associated with preparing spending documents. Advises department representatives of problems regarding grants as well as changes or corrections required to achieve compliance. Processes interdepartmental charges and issues payment to proper revenue account for services Reconciles sub-ledgers to the general ledger and resolves differences. Investigation of salary discrepancies of grant employees and the preparation of variance reports. Analyzes expenditures on a regular basis to determine costs allowable under the University, federal and private agency regulations. Conducts collection activities on outstanding billed receivable accounts, provides customer service to department representatives and responds to telephone inquiries from students, faculty and staff. Performs other job-related duties as assigned CORE COMPETENCIES: Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and methodologies of accounting including grant administration and reporting, budget policies and procedures. Knowledge of personal computer with accompanying spreadsheet, database, word processing, and presentation software. Skills in managing financial transactions and knowledge of advance mathematics. Competence in both oral and written English to communicate in a clear and concise manner. Ability to do budget forecasting, deficit analysis and graphical interpretation of budget functions. Ability to maintain accurate hardcopy and electronic accounting records. Ability to apply complex analytical concepts and verify the accuracy of data presented for processing and makes recommendation for resolution. Ability to evaluate work issues, train, develop, make / correct assignments and meet deadlines. Ability to define instructions, adhere to a changing system of specific policies and procedures. Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relations with staff, University officials and the general public. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or closely related field and four (4) years of relevant professional experience to include supervision of a unit involved in administering grants and contracts. Experience that demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and skill in grant administration and reporting, knowledge of the Uniform Guidance for Higher Education”, expertise in computerized financial accounting systems required. PeopleSoft experience desired. COVID - 19 Vaccination Information: All newly hired faculty, staff and student employees are required to vaccinate and to have proof of vaccination(s) upon their first day of employment. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements and verification policy. Exemption and Waiver Information: Medical and religious exemptions from vaccinations will be granted in accordance with federal and local law. Employees must request an exemption by completing the COVID-19 vaccination exemption request form. More information on Howard University’s COVID-19 response and protocol can be found here. Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world. Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.