Accounting Analyst

APU seeks employees who desire to contribute to our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is edifying to God and one another. The Accounting Analyst is responsible for providing reporting and technical accounting support. Under the direction of the Controller, the Accounting Analyst oversees, coordinates, directs and participates in financial record-keeping, reporting, accounting, and related auditing functions to assure accurate and timely accounting and reporting of investment accounts accordance with GAAP and FASB, federal, state, county and district requirements. This position manages tight deadlines and a multitude of activities including policy and procedure compliance, reporting and analysis, annual audit and tax assistance, external reporting activities, and support of technical accounting activities. Required Education Bachelor's degree in accounting required. CPA or CPA Candidate preferred. Required Experience A minimum of five (5+) years of complex accounting analysis and accounting experience is required, experience preferably in higher education with an accounting background. Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and FASB standards. Knowledge of statistical and mathematical presentation of data. Knowledge of advanced proficiency with current word processing and spreadsheet software programs, web browsers, query tools, integrated financial systems, and/or other types of records management systems. General knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and internal control methods and related laws, rules, and regulations. Ability to prepare complex financial statements and reports; understand and interpret laws and rules; communicate effectively with others inside and outside the unit, including conveying complex and technical professional accounting information to non-Accountants. Primary Duties/Essential Functions Promotes and continually assesses compliance and risk management best practices in all aspects of operations. Assists in the development and documentation of business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls, to ensure compliance with University policies and ensure staff adherence. Creates and updates the Chart of Accounts for the University; establishing new codes and ensuring that fund/account combinations are appropriate. Provides timely answers to technical accounting questions. Analyzes transactions from various systems and processes with an emphasis on improved efficiency. Assures the proper recording of financial transactions. Identify actual or potential problems and recommend corrective action. Assists in the development of University policies and processes to ensure compliance with changing external regulations. Partner with Controller to provide support and guidance to ensure that accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls are in compliance with all policies and procedures. Interface with the Business Office teams, and other operational departments to assist the manager and team with other matters to ensure that the team is adhering to all policies and procedures overall. Perform weekly, monthly and quarterly tasks and checks for all systems and monitor procedural documentation, internal controls and update deadlines. Evaluate operational and procedural compliance examining and analyzing operational system data, manual documentation, and interview. Analyze and update existing business rules and related documentation. Communicate business policies and guidelines to management and designated departments. Interview staff and management to determine the efficacy of the process. Meet with Construction and Designing Managers at least once a month to review spending versus budget and the Work-in-Progress. Design workflow and process strategies to improve business performance. Oversee the implementation of revised company processes and workflows. Stay up to date with the latest business practices and technologies. Prepares and examines reports, with an eye on accuracy and compliance. Prepares cost and revenue analysis, income and expense statements, and financial projections for all Capital Projects. Creates tools and metrics to track and analyze implemented process improvements and ensures that program benchmarks are met and continually evaluated. Develops ad hoc reports and analyze for program and division leadership to support strategic planning for short- and long-term goals. Completes special assignments, which include research activities over complex accounting problems/issues, as required. Prepares reports to maintain compliance, such as bond reporting. Serves as a backup for processes such as bond reporting and other matters for Controller and team. Assist Controller with the preparation of Form 990, NDT, 403b audit, annual financial statement audits, and external financial reports. Other reports or filings to prepare: 571-L Property Statements, College Exemption Claims, Annual tax filings for all trusts). Evaluate impact of new FASB accounting standards as it applies to financials and participate in planning and developing financial reporting tools/guides for implementing new standards. Performs related duties as assigned and makes a positive contribution as demonstrated by making suggestions for business office process improvement, learning new skills, procedures and processes. Completes special assignments, which include research activities over complex accounting problems/issues, as required. Performs other duties related to job description as assigned by supervisor. Manage capital project with which includes capitalizing assets in accordance with Capitalization Policy, closing depreciation on a monthly basis, and running the Net Book Value table in the Asset Management module to reconcile fixed asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. Manage APU and privately funded capital projects along with project managers from other departments. Manage trust and annuities. Work closely with the Office of Advancement and outside investment manager on recording appropriately managing all trusts and annuities. Collaborate with the other investments reporting, accounting entries and calculations, income allocation, and spending transfers for the University’s bonds and Annuity and Life fund. Real estate administration includes assurance that lease payments are paid according to terms included in lease contracts, and that business licenses are being renewed on a timely manner. Work closely with the Asset Manager. Manage endowment and invested funds. Collaborate with the endowment reporting, accounting entries and calculation of unitization, income allocation, and spending transfers for the University’s pooled endowment fund. Ensures timely payments of property tax in collaboration with Business System Office and Accounts Payable. Complete monthly reconciliations for assigned Balance Sheet accounts. Record the asset (Right of Use) and liability for each leased property on a quarterly basis. Generate an amortization schedule for each new lease asset. Comply fully with lease standard ASC 842. Skills Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical skills. Excellent multi-tasking, presentation and verbal communication skills. Ability to query data from database preferably using SQL. Ability to work with very little supervision. Ability to prioritize and multi-task various duties and projects for completion. Ability to manage details and follow through. Must be collaborative and an effective team member and business partner. Able to take initiatives and open to learning new systems and processes. Mental Demands Attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines. Ability to develop and document procedures. Ability to work under pressure and demonstrate confidence in exercising independent judgment and discretion. Physical Demands Intermittent sitting and standing, intermittent computer keyboard work. Substantial repetitive motions with wrist, hand and/or fingers, speaking and active listening demands. Ability to pull, push, bend, grasp, reach and lift up to 20 lbs. Visual Demands Computer monitor and reading. Environment Fast paced, multi-tasking, high production/busy office, comfortable temperatures. At times, multiple conversations occur simultaneously. Technologies Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiar with analytical tools, including Advanced Excel to include Pivot Tables, complicated formulas, and SQL. PeopleSoft and Adaptive Insights are a plus. Compensation Grade 14: $73,724 to $84,783 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package. Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates. #J-18808-Ljbffr