Senior Accountant (Full-time, Onsite)

Wilson College invites applications for the position of Senior Accountant, a key role within our Business and Finance team. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the fiscal health and mission of a values-driven institution. The Senior Accountant will provide critical oversight of complex accounting functions, ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations—including GAAP—and support the College’s strategic goals through accurate financial reporting and resource management. Ideal candidates will bring both technical expertise and a collaborative mindset to help sustain and strengthen Wilson’s long-standing commitment to educational excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare quarterly and annual financial statements, including journal entry review and general ledger oversight.
• Maintain and manage audit documentation for the 403(b) retirement plan, including compliance-related financial reporting, Form 5500, and PCORI fees.
• Monitor grant fund activities and ensure compliance with granting agency guidelines; prepare reconciliations and maintain supporting documentation.
• Assist with the maintenance and accurate recording of Fixed Assets.
• Prepare required work papers and reports for IRS Form 990.
• Interpret and communicate tax law changes and ensure proper treatment in College financials.
• Maintain and enforce internal accounting policies, procedures, and controls.
• Perform timely month-end and year-end close processes.
• Support institutional budgeting and forecasting efforts.
• Advise management regarding optimal use of resources and methods to enhance financial performance.
• Monitor and analyze financial operations data to identify trends and discrepancies.
• Participate in the evaluation, enhancement, and implementation of accounting systems and tools.
• May serve as a project leader for special finance-related projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration.

COMPETENCIES:

• Strong understanding of institutional, state, and federal financial policies and procedures
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, tax regulations, and nonprofit accounting standards
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and team collaboration skills
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy
• Proficiency in accounting software systems (e.g., Colleague/Ellucian)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis)
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities
• Experience with grant and temporarily restricted fund accounting is preferred

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• This is a full-time position with regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Hours may vary based on departmental needs, and flexibility is essential.
• Evening and weekend work may be required.

TRAVEL:

• Minimal travel; may attend professional development conferences.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required
• CPA certification preferred
• Minimum of 4–5 years of progressive accounting experience required
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit accounting preferred

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

At Wilson College, we value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Full-time, on-site employees enjoy:

• Robust Health Benefits: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus college-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance.
• Spending Account Options: Access to employee-funded Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for both healthcare and dependent care needs.
• Retirement Planning: A Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with TIAA to help you plan for the future.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, as well as access to Tuition Exchange scholarships through a national consortium of colleges.

Wilson fosters a supportive, collegial work environment that prioritizes work-life balance. Employees benefit from:

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, personal days, and 13 paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave, bereavement leave (including miscarriage and stillbirth), jury duty, and more.
• Flexible dining options and free access to our on-campus fitness center.
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support and resources.

As a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer, Wilson College employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.