Staff Accountant, School of Foreign Service - Office of the CFO

About the position Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world. The General Accounting Office (GAO), in the University's Office of the CFO (OCFO), is responsible for the integrity of the University's financial records and systems. GAO ensures that the transactions entered into the University's General Ledger adhere to both the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the accounting policies of the University. The General Accounting Office promotes the efficient use and stewardship of University resources in compliance with laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, utilizing their technical, financial, and analytical expertise in accounting knowledge. Reporting to the Manager of Campus Accounting - Main Campus/Senior Accountant, the Staff Accountant assists with the effective and efficient review and monitoring of all expense reports and general ledger transactions for the School of Foreign Service (SFS). This position works under tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities, including expense report review, general ledger review, month-end close activities, and special projects. Responsibilities • Review and correct the unit's expense reports and support documentation for account coding and compliance with the University's expense policy, communicating exceptions to the expense preparer. , • Monitor expense reports in progress and help to ensure that expense reports are approved/paid on time, escalating issues to the Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager as needed. , • Accurately track approved employee advances to ensure adherence to University policies and procedures and prevent double reimbursement of expenditures. , • Suggest process improvements related to the expense report business process and train faculty/staff in expense report preparation. , • Assist with financial reporting, compliance with internal accounting controls, and verification of the account activity and account balance every month for the Main Campus School assigned, ensuring that general ledger accounts as assigned are fully reconciled on a monthly or quarterly basis and preparing adjusting journal entries where required. , • Prepare support and documentation for monthly closing entries, participating in user acceptance training for Workday financial system updates. , • Complete the chart of accounting updates for new revenue and spend categories and new donor contributions. , • Utilize expert accounting skills and judgment to develop an atmosphere of teamwork with School faculty, staff, other departments, and OCFO leadership. , • Demonstrate excellent customer service to assigned schools and administrative units, providing a growth path to Senior Accountant. Requirements • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting , • 2-3 years progressive experience in financial accounting and reporting , • Ability to understand the University's cost center hierarchy, chart of accounts, and budgeted accounts to allocate expenses , • Strong Excel and general data analysis skills required, including ability to initiate, review, track, and monitor financial transactions/requests through to completion , • Ability to run and utilize financial system reports for financial management purposes , • Professional demeanor, communications, and ability to provide exceptional customer service , • Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to triage and escalate complex issues to team lead, supervisor, or appropriate School contacts , • Great attention to detail with the willingness and demonstrated potential to gain new skills and proficiencies and adapt to changing environments , • Service oriented, professional demeanor and a team orientation is required; i.e. avoiding 'that's not my job' , • Ability to think outside the box and solve problems creatively , • Strong time management skills, with the ability to prioritize work and multi-task to meet deadlines , • Experience in a complex higher educational institution or not-for-profit organizations a plus Nice-to-haves • Experience in a complex higher educational institution or not-for-profit organizations a plus Benefits • medical insurance , • dental insurance , • vision insurance , • disability insurance , • life insurance , • retirement savings , • tuition assistance , • work-life balance benefits , • employee discounts , • voluntary insurance options