Accountant I - 2839

Accountant I - 2839

Position Information

Primary Purpose of Organization Unit

The Controller’s Office is committed to providing quality and timely accounting and financial information to the University community in accordance with university, local, state, and federal regulations. Furthermore, the Controller’s Office recognizes that services provided are integral to the performance level of all constituency groups consisting of the University community and external agencies. The type of services provided by the Controller’s Office assist in perpetuating the climate for quality education necessary for a successful comprehensive university. The Controller’s Office administers and reports on the financial resources of the University and ensures that those resources are effectively utilized to meet the objectives of the University. The Financial Reporting unit is one of five sections of the Controller’s department: Financial Reporting, Payroll, Student Accounts, Contracts and Grants and Accounts Payable.

Primary Purpose of Position

The Accountant for Financial Reporting performs advanced professional accounting work in support of the University’s financial reporting functions, including investments, debt management, financial statement preparation, compliance reporting, and year-end closing processes. This position is responsible for preparing, analyzing, and reconciling complex financial data to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with University, State, Federal, and UNC System regulations.

The role requires strong analytical skills, independent judgment, and the ability to interpret financial information for management decision-making and external reporting requirements. This position works closely with University departments, affiliated entities, external auditors, and state agencies to support financial reporting, audits, and strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities include preparing debt compliance reports, coordinating tax returns for affiliated entities, managing investment reconciliations and endowment reporting, assisting with annual financial statement preparation, and completing various year-end schedules and audit workpapers for the University’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), annual audit, and other required reports to state agencies and the UNC System Office.

Extensive knowledge of financial data analysis, complex reconciliations, spreadsheet development, and report preparation is required. Strong communication skills and the ability to explain financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders are essential.

Job Description

Investments and Endowment Accounting

Responsible for reconciling, analyzing, and maintaining records for University and affiliated entity investments, including endowment funds and investment pools. Performs monthly investment reconciliations, prepares and posts cash sweeps, cash drawdowns, endowment earnings allocations, and related journal entries to the general ledger. Coordinates unitization calculations and allocation of investment earnings across endowment funds to ensure accuracy and compliance. Prepares electronic cash transfer documentation and donor financial activity reporting as needed. Reviews account balances for completeness, identifies discrepancies, determines corrective actions, and implements process improvements related to investment accounting and reporting.

Debt Management and Compliance

Maintains debt schedules for the University and affiliated entities, including debt service payments, maintenance reserves, and compliance requirements. Prepares electronic transfer forms and payment documentation related to debt obligations. Monitors compliance with debt covenants and ensures timely completion of required debt compliance reporting, including continuing disclosure requirements and Board reporting. Reviews and verifies debt-related transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Financial Statements and Year-End Reporting

Assists with preparation of the University’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), annual audit schedules, and other required financial statements and disclosures for the University and affiliated entities. Prepares investment and debt disclosures, accounting worksheets, financial footnotes, and supporting schedules. Performs detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of financial data to ensure accuracy and compliance with University, State, Federal, and UNC System reporting requirements. Coordinates with departments, auditors, and external agencies to obtain supporting documentation and respond to inquiries.

Compliance and Tax Reporting

Coordinates annual tax return preparation for affiliated entities and supports compliance reporting requirements. Monitors financial activities related to unrelated business income and other compliance matters to ensure proper reporting and adherence to applicable regulations.

Financial Reporting and General Accounting Support

Prepares internal and external financial reports, both standard and ad hoc, to support management decision-making and reporting deadlines. Prepares and posts journal entries, batch journal entries, fund transfers, and account corrections within Banner Finance. Performs reconciliations between Banner and other financial systems to ensure accurate month-end and year-end closing. Utilizes reporting tools such as Argos, Advanced Excel, and Banner reporting functions to analyze data, validate financial information, and produce reliable reports for management and external stakeholders.

Management Preference

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field with a minimum of 12 credit hours in accounting coursework required; Master’s degree preferred. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Prior experience with Banner Finance, governmental accounting, higher education financial reporting, and fund accounting is strongly preferred. Experience with annual financial statement preparation, audit support, debt compliance reporting, endowment accounting, and investment reconciliations is highly desirable.

Advanced Excel skills are required, including proficiency with Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, complex formulas, and financial data analysis. Experience with reporting tools such as Argos, Banner reporting functions, and UNC System reporting platforms is strongly preferred.

Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound independent judgment, and the ability to communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders are essential.

Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation

Posting Information

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.