Staff Accountant

Job Details

Job Location: Lawrence, KS 66045

What We’re Looking For

The Staff Accountant will play a key role in the financial operations of Kansas Memorial Unions Corporation by managing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and ensuring financial data accuracy. The role requires a high level of attention to detail and the ability to learn and understand the operations of our organization. This individual will support financial reporting and compliance efforts and work collaboratively with other departments to ensure the financial results reflect the needs and realities of our operations. 

 

Department: Accounting
Reports To: Controller
FLSA Status: Exempt; Salary
Pay Rate: The anticipated pay for this position starts at $50,000. The final rate will be determined based on qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry.

Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday

 

Duties & Responsibilities of All KU Memorial Union Positions:

1. Adhere to University and KU Memorial Union policies and procedures.
2. Support the KU Memorial Unions lines of effort, initiatives, and End State as described by the Executive Director, and work to achieve and uphold the department’s mission and core values: community, dignity, empowerment, excellence, innovation, and safety.
3. Follow the 7 Team Principles: competence, creating a cohesive team through mutual trust, creating shared understanding, setting clear leader intent, written/verbal communication, disciplined initiative, and risk management.
4. Demonstrate a positive, solution-oriented attitude in performing job responsibilities and collaborating with colleagues to foster a respectful and productive work environment.
5. Always exhibit professional decorum while representing the KU Memorial Unions and the University, including routine events and meetings that occur outside of the office, around campus, and out in the community.

 

What You’ll Do

Journal Entry Management 

• Prepare, enter, and post accurate journal entries for month-end and year-end reporting in compliance with accounting standards.
• Maintain organized records and documentation of all journal entries, ensuring alignment with the organization’s financial policies.
• Analyze financial data to ensure entries are properly classified, accurate, and complete.

Account Reconciliation

• Reconcile balance sheet accounts, including cash, fixed assets, receivables, and payables, to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner to maintain integrity in financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of financial accounts.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Assist in the preparation of monthly financial statements and reporting to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and financial policies.
• Assist in preparing schedules, as requested, for annual tax return and external audits
• Provide insightful analyses, explaining variances in Results versus Budgeted revenue and expenses and to prior period(s).

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to financial processes, increasing efficiency and reducing errors.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline financial operations.
• Regularly review existing financial procedures and recommend updates or changes where applicable.

Technology and Systems

• Utilize accounting software and ERP systems to manage and track financial transactions.
• Leverage financial tools to analyze performance.
• Provide technical support to other finance team members in using accounting software.

Effective Communication

• Maintain timely communication to meet deadlines and ensure smooth workflow.
• Handle sensitive financial data responsibly, ensuring discretion in all communications.
• Present updates, raise concerns, or explain variances during team or cross-functional meetings in a constructive and concise manner.

Qualifications

What’s Required to be Considered

State the minimum position requirements required to successfully perform the job (as applicable). These are the requirements that are necessary for someone to be considered for the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience in accounting or financial management, preferably in higher education or hospitality.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and automation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced (use of functions, formulas, pivot tables, etc.) experience using Excel software.

 

The Ideal Candidate

• Prior work experience 3+ years in accounting or financial management, preferably in higher education.

 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit/stand at a desk in front of a computer for multiple hours a day, five days a week.  

 

We’ve Got You Covered

• Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plan with a 7.5% employer match
• Two months of paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional KU employee perks