Accountant/Financial Analyst

Synopsis of Role:

The Accountant/Financial Analyst will undertake projects and activities to help the Finance Department work more efficiently and effectively, especially by focusing on month-end closings and contract reviews.   Primary responsibilities include:  assisting with the month-end close process; analyzing financial data; analyzing finance processes; developing and maintaining finance reports; and reviewing various corporate contracts for financial implications.

Essential Functions: 

• Assists Controller and Assistant Controller with month-end, quarter-end and year-end close processes.
• Conducts data management, analysis, and presentation of findings for Finance, including preparation of reports and presentations as needed.
• Assists Senior Vice President of Finance and Controller in analyzing financial information and developing reporting requirements to support financial decisions.
• Assists during contract negotiation/review stages to analyze financial implications and assist with cost/benefit analysis.
• Other duties as assigned.

Critical Skills and Job Complexity: 

• Key knowledge and skills:
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Customer relations management skills.
  • Proficient with or adept at quickly learning various software applications, such as Great Plains, FRX, etc.
  • Ability to manipulate and validate data from various database sources for analysis/reporting purposes.
  • Organized, highly motivated and a quick learner; able to work with limited supervision.
  • Proactive, flexible, and comfortable in a fast-paced, changing environment, which demands a high level of energy and commitment.
  • Knowledge of higher education industry preferred.
  • Demonstrated understanding of accounting functions.
• Contact:
  • Internal contacts may include fellow employees up to the CEO and Board of Directors level, including students, alumni, and prospective students.
• Problem solving and decision making ability:
  • Ability to organize resources in the most effective way to accomplish many competing missions.
  • Ability to establish priorities among multiple tasks.
  • Ability to operate autonomously.
  • Ability to translate general mission guidance into specific actions for self and subordinates (if assigned).
  • Ability to make logical decisions that support the intended objective, considering the best interests of the University.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• CPA Required.
• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years experience in Accounting or related field.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
• Experience with financial internal controls preferred.
• Great Plains and/or FRX experience is ideal.
• Must be fluent in Microsoft Office applications and use of the Internet.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Standard office environment in Charles Town, WV.
• Some weekends and extended hours during peak times may be required.
• Some limited travel may be required to attend conferences, etc.