Senior Financial Reporting & Compliance Accountant

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Controller's Office

Job Description

Job Summary

A leader within the accounting and compliance functions of the College, this position manages financial reporting as well as federal, state & local tax and other compliance.  This includes managing monthly, quarterly and annual financial close process, preparation of ad-hoc reports, preparation of annual audited financial statements, uniform guidance reporting, responsibility for federal, state and local tax extensions & filings and required educational & debt surveys.  This position is a key member of the annual financial statement and uniform guidance audits.  This professional would also manage continual process change and improvement.

Essential Functions

Financial Reporting & Compliance (40%)

A member of the accounting team, this position manages the monthly, quarterly and annual general ledger closing process and creations of timely and accurate financial information.  Manage the creation of key Workday reports and schedules to support the financial reporting and compliance function. Manage the maintenance of the general ledger, including worktag management.  Manage the close process, including analyzing financial data for accuracy, preparing monthly & quarterly ad-hoc reports and preparing the annual financial statements and uniform guidance reports.  Support the annual audit financial statement and uniform guidance audit processes. Prepare financial data in support of key education and debt surveys. Responsible for preparing and/or reviewing account reconciliations on an ongoing basis.

Tax & Other Compliance (35%)

Manage the preparation and timely filing of federal, state and local tax filings and informational requests, including but not limited to the 990, 990T, state tax returns, sales & meals tax filings and MA Form PC.  Manage the federal and state tax extension process.  Oversee the unclaimed property process. 

General Accounting (20%)

Manage the recording financial activity and preparing journal entries as necessary.  Manage the preparation and review of various account reconciliations.  Responsible for the fiscal agency of PRESHCO, including accounting entries, review of local financial information, preparing financial and tax reporting and assisting in the annual audit process.  Responsible for the preparation, coordination, and implementation of general accounting policies and processes at the College.  Serve as community liaison in responding to inquiries and researching questions.  Provide guidance and training to departments in the use of financial systems and with accounting matters.

Other Functions

Other (5%)

Advise the accounting, payroll and student employment teams in projects and processes.  Serve as back-up in certain function for absences.  Perform other duties as assigned.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of relevant experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated advanced accounting knowledge; non-profit financial, tax and compliance reporting and filing experience.

Experience working with diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree and/or professional certification such as CPA preferred. Workday experience.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Deadline and detail oriented. Analytical approach to complicated reconciliation and data problems. Advanced MS Excel skill and proficiency with MS and Google suites and complex cloud-based financial systems.  Familiarity with database queries and reports.  Ability to organize and prioritize work, take initiative, resolve problems, and manage multiple tasks. Capacity to work independently and part of a team.

Please attach BOTHa current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.

You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

October 1, 2024

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of  equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.