Gifts and Grants Accountant

ABOUT US

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Budgeting & Planning, the Gifts and Grants Accountant is responsible for the administration and oversight of the University’s operating, grant, restricted, and agency fund accounts, including monthly account reconciliations. This position exercises independent judgment and discretion while working collaboratively with budget officers and campus partners to support effective financial management and compliance with University policies and procedures. Key responsibilities include reviewing and approving requests to fill positions, purchase requisitions, procurement card transactions, and contracts. The Gifts and Grants Accountant also serves as the primary administrator for general ledger (GL) account setup and provides appropriate access to business functions within the University’s ERP system and other business platforms. Additional responsibilities include journal entries, supporting fiscal year-end closeout activities, assisting with audits, and performing other accounting and financial functions on a daily, monthly, and annual basis.

DUTIES

• Responsible for overseeing and administration of designated operating accounts (fund 11, 12 & 14), all grants (fund 22), restricted funds (fund 21) and agency (fund 71) including independently working with the appropriate budget officers, setting up and monitoring grant budgets, reviewing expenses, and ensuring compliance with federal and grant requirements, and all related financial reporting and invoicing.

• Oversees expenses to ensure the funds are used for allowed purposes and provides final approval before payment.

• Provide new account numbers, monitor budgets, and communicate with budget officers.

• Independently gathers necessary information and prepares monthly operational journal entries to properly account for Southwestern operations, including physical plant charge outs, utility allocations, indirect salary allocations, postage and other monthly charges as assigned.

• Provide general professional accounting support within the Business Office involving compilation, consolidation, and analysis of financial data (i.e. ledgers, preparing journal entries, compliance with internal controls, reconciliations, etc.) especially as it relates to month-end and year-end tasks by established deadlines.

• Serves as Business Office main contact for theatre box office, which includes reviewing box office deposits and analyzing monthly reports for accuracy.

• Prepares monthly invoices and related journal entries & performs necessary collections related to third-party external organizations that owe Southwestern University.

• Primary contact for indirect cost rate (IDC) for the University including preparing data analysis and collection during the IDC renewal cycles.

• Prepares annual NSF HERD survey and other surveys as required by granting agency or as assigned.

• Review and maintain the general ledger user defined fields of the trial balance.

Additional Duties:

• Support audit work paper preparation.

• Support budget preparation and review.

• Assist with special accounting projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.

• Three years professional-level experience in accounting or project accounting.

• Possess strong accounting and data analysis skills and astute problem-solving ability.

• Demonstrate strong understanding in budgeting, project accounting and financial record keeping.

• Demonstrate advanced excel and word processing software skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Demonstrated leadership skills, including a strong work ethic.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks with a keen attention to detail.

• Possess excellent interaction and communication skills (verbal and written).

• Have knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and the diversity within the campus and community.

• Demonstrated professional manner with all internal and external University constituencies.

• Ability to be flexible, adjust to fluctuating priorities, perform well in stressful situations, and produce a reliable work product.

• Possess the applications of tact, diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

• Understanding and commitment to a liberal arts education, including the ability to relate to a liberal arts faculty.

• Ability to attend work consistently and maintain a regular work schedule.

Preferred Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business.

• Five + years of professional-level accounting experience, with demonstrated knowledge of project accounting and federal grant compliance.

• Prior experience using Datatel, Cashnet/Transact, Concur and Softdocs.

• Work experience in higher education or non-profit organization.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Starting annual salary: $62,826. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting annual salary.

All individuals hired are required to complete the federal employment eligibility verification process as required by applicable law.

Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.