The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit"A' makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.BASIC FUNCTION:Senior Accountant in the Controller's Office responsible for completing monthly close procedures, analyzing financial statement activity, performing accounting research to find the appropriate accounting treatment, preparing accounting memoranda, preparing monthly accounting reconciliations, and generating ad hoc reports. The position requires a high analytical IQ. Requires the ability to review and interpret contracts for accounting treatment. Must have a thorough understanding of account accruals and interworking's of Procurement and Accounts payable and its impact on the general ledger. Must be able to effectively communicate with various levels of management. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement. Reports directly to the Senior Manager of General AccountingSUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:May also be responsible for acting in a lead or senior capacity over other positions performing essentially the same work or related technical tasks and reporting to a higher level on a formal basis.NATURE AND SCOPE:Internal contacts may include executives, administrators, faculty, students and staff of other departments and the university at large. External contacts include consultants, representatives from other colleges and universities and the general public.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:Lead accountant on all accrual and expense related transactions.Lead accountant on general prepaid expenses and all expense accrual, Intercompany, travel, and business unit allocation entries for the general ledger.Lead accountant for Controller department transactions to include all accruals, reclasses, monitoring expense versus budget, reviewing requisitions for account accuracy, reviewing results in Controller's office to ensure accuracy.Analyze contracts and key processes to determine the financial impact and appropriate accounting treatment in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and FASB; prepare the related accounting memoranda.Prepare high level analytics on the Financial Statements for executive reports and quarterly audits.Forge relationships with University operation groups and other functional accounting teams supporting financial accounting and reporting for the University.Participate in the month-end close, including knowledge to complete complex general ledger accounting entries, expenses and revenue recognition and account analytics and roll forward schedules.Prepare documentation and support audits and compliance processes.Prepare account review and propose required journal entries.Prepare appropriate analyses to support entries, including adequate documentation and approval prior to recording in the financial database.Efficiently perform accounting research by navigating accounting databases to find the appropriate accounting treatment.Perform self-checks to spot inconsistencies in accounting work and quickly uncover errors in both computation and application of accounting principles.Perform other job-related duties as assigned.CORE COMPETENCIES:Extensive technical knowledge of accounting principles and procedures which is noted through work experience at large publicly traded companies and/or public accounting.Experience in writing accounting memoranda and performing accounting research.Able to perform full cycle general ledger accounting.Excellent communication and presentation skills.Critical thinker with innate ability to work independently and under stringent deadlines.Documented success as innovator and creative problem solver.Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relationships with staff, faculty, students, university officials and general public.Advance level of Microsoft Excel experience and various accounting software, including large ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, SAP and Oracle.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in Accounting.Minimum of 5 years accounting experience in a large publicly traded company and/or public accounting.Ability to assess priorities, assign resources and maintain composure and diplomacy at all times.Strong project management skills, with the ability to proactively manage a variety of projects and timelines; demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness and an ability to manage multiple assignments and deliverables.Demonstrated ability to contribute to a culture of excellence, integrity and accountability.Superior work ethic and a dedication to the highest work quality and job excellence.Strong individual with excellent oral and written communication, articulate, detail oriented and accounting research skills.Advance knowledge of MS Office (specifically MS Excel) and use of accounting software, including large ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, SAP and Oracle.Note: 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.If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!