Accountant II - Westfield State University

Job Description:

Campus Title: Accounting II

State Job Title: Accountant II

Department: Financial Accounting

Job Code: H16X11

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Funding: 7115-0100 State Funds

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Job Type: Full-Time

Timeframe: 52 Weeks

Shift: Monday-Friday 8 am - 4 pm

Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday

Supervision Received: Reports to the Director of Accounting Operations.

Supervision Exercised: May supervise a part-time or student worker.

Salary: $2,075.77 Bi-Weekly

General Statement of Duties:

Participates in the annual physical inventory of all University fixed assets. Assists with other inventory tasks. Assists with functions of the accounts payable office including audit, verification, and correction of transactions as well as reviewing and timely processing of payments to vendors. Provides additional support to the Financial Accounting department. Splits time on an approximate 40/60 basis between stationary desk work using a standard computer and peripheral equipment, along with standing and moving work completing physical inventories of assets in all campus locations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include but not limited to:

Essential:

• Completes annual physical inventories of fixed assets for all campus departments and locations, making arrangements in advance when necessary to complete all areas in an efficient manner.

• Documents results of physical inventories and performs necessary follow-up tasks including searches for missing assets.

• Reviews and verifies the invoices and payments entered into Banner by other Accountant II.

• Performs primary accounts payable processes in the absence of the other Accounts Payable Accountant II, including processing invoices for payment, voiding checks in Banner and Evisions IntelleCheck, reissuing when appropriate; entering credit memos; printing on-line checks in the case of an emergency; auditing, researching and resolving discrepancies between vendor and University records.

• Generates reports using Banner, WebFOCUS, Argos, and other systems to assist with daily duties.

• Provides support for other inventory functions including barcoding and data entry of new assets, and marking and data entry of surplus assets, upon assignment from the Director.

• Counsels faculty and staff on the correct usage of University policies and procedures as they relate to all facets of Financial Accounting. Reports to supervisor occurrences of non-compliance.

• Provides information and support for year-end audit reports and schedules, audits invoices to ensure they are recorded in the correct fiscal year per state and audit regulations; provides other financial information and reports as requested.

• Additional duties as assigned within the Financial Accounting department.

Non-Essential:

• Participates in year-end moving of files to storage area.

Requirements:

Qualifications Required at Hire:

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of accounting.

• Knowledge of the standard procedures and methods followed in verifying documents for payment.

• Ability to understand and apply complicated policies and procedures and to explain those policies and procedures to non-accountants.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

• Ability to work harmoniously in a team-oriented setting, and to deal effectively and courteously with a variety of personalities and situations; ability to deal tactfully with others.

• Ability to give written and oral instructions and to communicate in a precise, understandable manner.

• Ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two years professional experience working in an accounting-related field.

• Familiarity with Ellucian Banner software and/or inventory tracking software is strongly preferred.

Qualifications Acquired on Job:

• Thorough knowledge of departmental, University, and pertinent state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;

• Thorough knowledge of the MMARS purchasing/payables systems and processes;

• Thorough understanding of the state comptroller's and treasurer's policies as they pertain to encumbrances, vendor file, payments, schedules, and fiscal year end.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• Valid motor vehicle operator's license required.

Additional Information:

Salary:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on the Department of Higher Education's webpage.

Employee Benefits:

Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees with coverage effective on the 1st of the month following the 60 days of employment.

• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.

• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.

• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.

• Additional information regarding employee benefits is available on the University's Benefits & Wellness webpage.

Disability Accommodations

Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at (413) 572-8809 or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.

Background Check

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Application Instructions:

An online application is required. A resume and cover letter may be attached but this is not required.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin May 16, 2024. The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalist have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.