Accountant III

Job Details Accountant III Job ID: 298988 Location: Georgia College & State Univ Full/Part Time: Full Time Regular/Temporary: Regular About Us Georgia College & State University (GCSU) is the state's designated public liberal arts university, where students learn the essential skills to compete in a fast-paced and technology-driven global society. The university prepares students for successful careers, leadership in communities, problem solving and life-long learning through personalized attention in a residential setting with opportunities for a variety of transformational experiences through its award-winning, high-impact practices. One of only three selective universities within the University System of Georgia and a top 10 ranked public university in the Southeast, GCSU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 majors, more than 30 graduate programs, doctorates in education and nursing, professional certificates, and continuing education programs. As a member of the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), GCSU is committed to fostering a liberal arts environment that values academic preeminence, interdisciplinary inquiry and an inclusive learning community. GCSU enjoys a strong reputation for academic excellence and nationally ranked programs according to US News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction - among other ranking sources. Georgia College & State University takes great pride in combining the educational experience of a private liberal arts college with the affordability of a public university. Faculty and staff are dedicated to student engagement and experiential learning through high-impact practices such as internships, service- and community-based learning, leadership development, study abroad opportunities, mentored undergraduate research and a capstone project that fosters intellectual curiosity, reasoned inquiry and critical thinking. The university's beautiful and historic campus is located downtown in Milledgeville, Georgia, a charming college town of approximately 19,000 residents in Central Georgia, and only 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. Milledgeville is also the home of noted American author and alumna, Flannery O'Connor, '45, and the college community enjoys many exciting literary arts programs at O'Connor's former home, Andalusia, a National Historic Landmark owned by the university. Milledgeville is located on the banks of beautiful Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, allowing faculty, staff and students to take full advantage of the environmental and recreational benefits of being part of a lake community. For cultural, educational and leisure opportunities beyond Milledgeville - Macon and Atlanta are located within easy driving distances. Georgia College & State University is dedicated to protecting academic freedom in addition to supporting freedom of expression as outlined in the University System of Georgia's Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom policy and its Ethics Code of Conduct. For more information, visit us online at gcsu.edu . Job Summary The Accountant III performs advanced professional accounting and budgetary work within the Fiscal Services division. This position requires a thorough knowledge and application of fiscal policies, accounting principles, and budgetary procedures within an automated financial system. Core responsibilities include maintaining financial and accounting records, analyzing and reconciling financial data, and supporting the collection, recording, and reporting of fiscal information across multiple functional areas. The position exercises independent judgment in applying technical accounting and budgetary procedures in accordance with departmental policies, system requirements, Board of Regents and university regulations, and applicable legal and compliance standards. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and accuracy, with strict adherence to established financial controls and reporting requirements. Performance is subject to review by supervisory personnel for overall effectiveness, compliance, and quality, and may be examined through periodic internal and external audits. Responsibilities Travel - 50% - Audit and review travel reimbursement requests and expense reports for compliance with GCSU, State of Georgia, Board of Regents (BOR), and IRS policies and regulations. - Identify and resolve travel policy exceptions, discrepancies, and non-compliant submissions; communicate findings and corrective actions to travelers and their supervisors. - Process and audit travel transactions for all traveler categories, including employees, students, guests, job candidates, Study Abroad participants, and Athletic department personnel. Other Duties as Assigned - 5% - Facilitate campus-wide training and provide guidance on travel policies, procedures, reimbursement requirements, and compliance standards to faculty, staff, and departmental personnel. - Perform other related clerical, accounting, and administrative duties as assigned in support of departmental operations and fiscal services functions. Journal Entry - 10% - Collaborate with the accounting team to prepare, review, and document journal entries in accordance with institutional policies, GAAP, and applicable regulatory requirements. - Prepare, analyze, and distribute accounting and financial reports that accurately reflect the results of financial transactions and activities for designated reporting periods. - Prepare and process journal entries across multiple financial areas; including executive travel, construction and capital projects, asset management, and Purchasing Card (PCard) transactions ensuring accuracy, proper account classification, and compliance with university and Board of Regents reporting requirements. Accounts Management - 15% - Record, reconcile, and post financial transactions within the automated accounting information system in accordance with established accounting procedures, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory requirements. - Review and verify account numbers, chart field combinations, and corresponding balances to ensure completeness, accuracy, proper classification, and compliance with the institution's chart of accounts and financial reporting standards. - Coordinate the timely review, approval, and processing of utility payments, ensuring appropriate documentation, account coding, and compliance with institutional payment and procurement procedures. Accounts Reconciliation - 20% - Perform monthly reconciliations of TIGA travel accounts, including travel pre-paid and accounts payable, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation of all transactions and outstanding balances. - Conduct monthly reconciliations of institutional asset accounts, investigating and resolving variances in a timely manner. - Perform monthly bank account reconciliations, identifying, researching, and resolving outstanding items to ensure accurate financial reporting and cash accountability. - Complete annual reconciliations of TIGA salary and travel expenditures to verify that all charges are accurate, allowable, adequately supported, and compliant with applicable institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements. Required Qualifications Educational Requirements A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field is required. An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered. Required Experience - Seven to ten (7-10) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience is required, with demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards. - Candidates must have hands-on experience with financial accounting systems, specifically PeopleSoft Financials, as well as proficiency in spreadsheet applications. - Strong analytical, organiza