Financial Accounting Associate

Department: Accounting
Reports to: Assistant Controller
FLSA Status: Non - Exempt
 
The anticipated salary for this position starts at $46,600+ for the Financial Accounting Associate and ranges up to a starting salary of $51,300+ for the Sr. Financial Accounting Associate. 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:
Responsible for posting financial data into the accounting system, writing checks and maintaining accounting records. The position is also responsible for reconciling general ledger sub-ledger and Gift Processing records for select accounts.  Makes frequent decisions in accordance with KU Endowment policies and procedures.
 
The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – passion for KU, partnership with donors, perpetual support for KU, and a people-centered approach – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.
 
What’s a typical day look like?

• Posts transactions both individual and automated to general ledger and journal ledger through data entry or automated routines.
• Finalizes all accounting approval reports and journal entries on the financial records.

• Maintains the check register.  Sends and retrieves bank files for positive pay and bank reconciliation and reports overdrawn accounts from daily check writing.
• Selects invoices for payment and performs check writing procedures, including initiating electronic payments.
• Verifies the balancing of journal ledgers to the general ledger; locates and initiates any required corrections.
• Reconcile the JL for securities and real estate to the GL.
• Prepare the weekly bank deposit.
• Prepare monthly report for payroll and reconcile payroll accrual accounts.
• Reconcile holding funds for gifts to Gift Processing system, including the monthly reconciliation of all gifts in our accounting systems and report discrepancies to Assistant Controller and AVP Gift Processing.
• Assists AVP/Controller and Assistant Controller with providing documentation for annual audit selections, including the collection and management of audit schedules. 
• Maintains task reminders for Endowment staff.
• Prepare stock gift journal entries to record the sale and transfer of stock gifts.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two to five years’ experience in accounting, including working with general ledgers and financial statements.
• Strong computer skills, including intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Excel and 10-key calculations required.
• Attention to detail regarding computing, classifying and recording numerical data is essential.
• Considerable organizational ability to ensure timely completion of assigned duties.
• The candidate should possess the ability to establish and maintain professional effective working relationships with KU Endowment staff as well as University staff. 
• The candidate should also demonstrate the ability to make decisions concerning general accounting situations and seek administrative approval where necessary.

• To be considered for the Senior level, five to seven years' experience is preferred.

• 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: light-up to 20 pounds

• Rare travel requirements can include the following, evenings, weekends, and out of town overnights 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