Accounting and Compliance Analyst

Department: Accounting
Reports to: Director, Account Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
 
The anticipated salary for this position starts at $46,600. The final pay will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, experience, education, and years within the job or industry, with a strong emphasis on maintaining internal equity.
 
Who we are and what we’re about:
KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas.  We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity.  You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends.  This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university.  We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited.  Lives are changed.
 
What we are looking for:
KU Endowment is seeking a full-time Accounting and Compliance Analyst, who will report directly to the Director of Account Services.  This position will primarily be responsible for the audit of payment requests received to ensure appropriateness of expenditure, compliance with IRS tax laws, including tax reporting, and conforms with University and Association policies.  This individual must have knowledge of accounting principles and experience with financial reporting.  This position will also work as a liaison between KU Endowment’s Accounting Department and University Departments assisting them with guidance on the use of KU Endowment funds and the accounting system.
 
The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.
 
What’s a typical day look like?

• Audits incoming check requests and supporting documentation for completeness and business purpose of the expenditure.  Ensures all transactions comply with tax regulations as well as University and Association policies.  Communicates any issues or concerns to University departments either by phone or written correspondence.
• Responds to inquiries from University and KU Endowment personnel regarding fund status and related transactions.  Initiates follow-up actions as necessary to resolve outstanding issues.
• Monitors travel advances and reimbursements to ensure they are properly accounted for within 90 days.
• Ensures that disbursements which are W-2 reportable are communicated to the applicable payroll office for the University or related entity.
• Assists in the development of training materials for University personnel.  May be required to present material at these training sessions.
• Assist users in the navigation and the use of KU Endowment’s web-based accounting system.
• Suggest changes and updates for The KU Endowment Fund Administration and Use Handbook.
• Coordinates stop payments and reissue of checks, as needed, with appropriate Accounting staff.
• Address vendor payment issues, ensuring accurate and timely resolution.
• Identify and recommend enhancements in compliance, communication protocols and assists in implementation of approved changes.
• Supports special projects with a focus on policy alignment, internal controls and proper tax reporting.  Performs other work as directed or required.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

• Requires graduation from High School or equivalent.
• Requires four to five years of experience in an accounting environment and customer service experience.
• Must be proficient in keyboarding and 10-key calculations, including the use of Microsoft Office.
• Accounting course work may be substituted for the required accounting experience.

• Excellent communication and writing skills required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with KU Endowment personnel, to communicate with University Departments creating a highly positive impression in doing so.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in making decisions with only general administrative supervision.
• When presented with a question or issue on an accounting transaction, the ability to research transactions in an accounting system and problem-solve with minimal guidance.
• Knowledge of IRS accountable plan rules
• Basic understanding of tax reporting for independent contractors, nonresident aliens and other reportable income.
• Considerable organizational ability to ensure timely completion of assigned duties.
• Attention to detail and the ability to multi-task is essential for this position.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships inside and outside KU Endowment.
• Ability to adapt to new procedures and technology.

• A valid driver’s license.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, donor meetings, networking, events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.

• Physical effort/lifting, such as light-up to 20 pounds.

• Travel requirements are rare and can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out of town as a regular part of the job.

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking