The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the university’s financial operations through accurate and timely accounting processes. This role performs key functions, including monthly close, journal entries, reconciliations, investment and endowment accounting, and financial reporting. The position requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of GAAP, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments. This is a full-time hybrid role with a minimum of two required days at Excelsior's home office of 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY, with the remainder of the days worked from home. No travel is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties and responsibilities, but not limited to, are expected:

• Perform routine accounting duties, including preparation and posting of journal entries.
• Monitor, audit, and reconcile general ledger accounts monthly; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Record and manage accrued expenses to ensure accurate period-end reporting.
• Perform accounting functions related to banking activities, including bank reconciliations.
• Perform accounting for investment and endowment activities, ensuring accurate reporting.
• Maintain fixed asset records, including capital project tracking and depreciation schedules.
• Assist in preparing monthly and annual financial statements for Management and the Board of Trustees.
• Support year-end audit activities, including preparation of audit schedules.
• Assist in preparing various tax documents, including IRS Form 990.
• Conduct accounting or tax research for special projects assigned.
• Draft and revise accounting policies and procedures to strengthen internal controls.
• Compile and submit financial data and documentation to federal agencies on a quarterly and annual basis.
• Coordinate payables and/or receivables in accordance with contract compliance requirements.
• Provide guidance to other departments on revenue and expense classification and respond to accounting-related inquiries.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Public accounting and/or higher education accounting experience desired but not required.
• Knowledge of ERP systems is preferred.
• Proficiency in GAAP financial reporting.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Effective interpersonal and business communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

The hiring salary range for this position is $62,400.00 – 65,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.