Senior Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

Washington & Jefferson College seeks a skilled and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to play a key role in maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the College's financial records. Reporting directly to the Controller, this position is responsible for ensuring that all assigned accounts are fully reconciled, well-documented, and up-to-date monthly, supporting strong internal controls and sound financial decision-making.

This role is ideal for a professional who brings strong technical accounting expertise, a disciplined approach to reconciliations, and a commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, and service to the College's academic mission.

Primary Responsibilities

Account Reconciliations & Financial Integrity (Core Focus)

• Oversee and perform timely monthly reconciliations for all assigned balance sheet and key operating accounts.
• Ensure reconciliations are complete, accurate, properly supported, and reviewed, with reconciling items clearly explained and resolved promptly.
• Maintain a structured reconciliation schedule and tracking process to ensure all required accounts are reconciled each month.
• Research, resolve, and document discrepancies, errors, or unusual account activity.
• Escalate unresolved reconciling items or control concerns to the Controller with recommended solutions.
• Promote best practices in reconciliation standards, documentation, and internal controls across the Finance team.

General Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare and review journal entries in accordance with GAAP and College policies.
• Support the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including variance analysis and preparation of supporting schedules.
• Identify capital expenditures to ensure they are capitalized and depreciated in accordance with capitalization policy.
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements, management reports, and internal analyses.
• Support external audits by preparing reconciliations, schedules, and documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries.

Process Improvement & Internal Controls

• Contribute to the enhancement of accounting procedures, workflows, and internal controls.
• Recommend process improvements to strengthen accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and compliance.
• Serve as a resource to accounting staff and campus partners regarding reconciliation expectations and financial best practices.

Other

• Provide backup and support to the Accounts Payable Clerk as needed to ensure continuity of vendor payments and adherence to internal controls.
• Provide backup and support to Staff Accountant for cash receipts and revenue recording functions, ensuring transactions are processed and communicated timely and in accordance with College policies and GAAP.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting (or closely related field).
• 3-5 years of relevant accounting experience in higher education, nonprofit, or complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience performing and managing monthly account reconciliations and resolving discrepancies.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience with accounting or ERP systems.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting recurring monthly deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPA candidate.
• Master's degree in Accounting or Business Administration (or active candidate in a graduate program).
• Experience in higher education finance, nonprofit accounting, or fund accounting.
• Experience supporting financial statement audits and regulatory reporting

Key Competencies

• Strong sense of accountability and ownership
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Commitment to accuracy, consistency, and documentation
• Collaborative and service-oriented approach
• Clear and professional communication skills

Disclaimer

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the position.

Job Description Status

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Washington & Jefferson College reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Application Instructions

Apply for this job at Please submit a cover letter and resume. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Community

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.