Description
Position Summary: The Accountant performs professional accounting work involving the application of generally accepted accounting principles and University policies. This position prepares, reviews, and analyzes financial records and reports; reconciles accounts; and supports compliance, reporting, and year-end processes. The Accountant provides financial guidance and high-quality customer service to assigned departments and stakeholders. Work involves independent judgment, problem solving, and collaboration across Finance and campus units. Duties and location between Washburn University and Washburn Institute of Technology may vary based on operational needs.
About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of just over 7,000 students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.
Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.
Essential Functions:
Comply with federal, state, and University policies, procedures, and regulations.
Use accounting and office software systems to perform financial processing, reporting, and analysis.
Review financial records and transactions for accuracy, completeness, and proper funding; identify and resolve discrepancies.
Prepare financial reports related to cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and other assigned areas.
Provide accurate, professional, and timely responses to financial inquiries.
Participate in cross-training to provide backup support within the Finance area.
Manage Agency Accounts for student organizations, ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines.
Track and maintain Certificates of Insurance for the Tech campus.
Journal Entries
Prepare and post journal entries to accurately record financial activity, including daily cash reports, funding corrections, allocations, and monthly adjustments.
Review deposits, vouchers, and purchase orders for proper coding and accuracy.
Review and upload credit card transactions and supporting documentation.
Prepare recurring and adjusting entries such as fund transfers, chargebacks, sales tax entries, and Foundation transactions.
Account Reconciliation
Perform monthly reconciliations of assigned accounts, including clearing, receivable, bank and card accounts, due to/due from, and prepaid accounts.
Investigate discrepancies and prepare correcting entries as needed.
Reconcile sales tax accounts and support preparation and filing of tax returns.
Monitor prepaid expenses and maintain reconciliation schedules.
Accounting and Reporting
Analyze restricted funds and prepare reimbursement requests when applicable.
Assist with year-end closing activities, including accruals, deferrals, and reversals.
Support internal and external audits by compiling documentation and responding to requests.
Provide financial information and explanations to faculty, staff, students, and external parties.
Maintain authorization documentation and distribute agency reports.
Support journal entry maintenance and system access requests.
Perform event accounting, invoicing, and payment processing.
Prepare or review allocations and chargebacks.
Process third-party billings and assist with donation processing.
Support insurance allocations and daily balancing processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
A combination of education and experience equivalent to four years of accounting experience.
Demonstrated analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively.
Proven experience using Microsoft Office.
Proven experience using computer-based accounting or payroll systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Intermediate accounting or bookkeeping experience.
Intermediate Excel skills.
Experience with ERP systems such as Banner.
Understanding of laws and regulations relating to tax withholdings, Fair Labor Standards Act, and worker classification guidelines.
