Northwest Nazarene University College of Business
Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant
Northwest Nazarene University College of Business, Nampa, Idaho, United States, 83687
Description of Position
The Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant supports the Controller in managing the University’s accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) applicable to higher education. This position plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of financial data and supporting effective decision‑making across campus. The role works collaboratively with departments such as Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Payroll, and Human Resources, and provides leadership and support for accounting processes, audits, and reporting. As an integral member of the finance team, the Assistant Controller / Senior Accountant helps strengthen the University’s financial stewardship in alignment with its mission and values.
Job Type Full‑time (1.0, 12‑month, onsite, exempt)
Essential Functions
Prepare and review monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger analyses
Support monthly soft close and annual year‑end close processes
Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements and supporting schedules for the external audit
Coordinate the annual IRS Form 990 preparation and filing
Assist with development and implementation of accounting policies and internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance
Accounts Receivable & Tax Compliance
Oversee non‑student accounts receivable, including invoicing, collections, and reconciliations
Assist in the preparation and filing of monthly state tax reports and remittances (Sales/Use Tax, Travel & Convention Tax, etc.)
Review and maintain vendor tax identification information; prepare and submit annual Form 1099s
Budgeting & Departmental Support
Provide financial reporting and budget analysis support for departments across the University
Assist in the preparation and maintenance of the annual institutional budget
Operational & Team Support
Review and approve Accounts Payable check and direct deposit batches
Monitor Positive Pay exceptions through Banking system
Cross‑train and provide backup support for key accounting functions (invoicing, cash disbursements, U‑Card processing, etc.)
Support financial process improvements and participate in system upgrades or implementations
Serve on committees, task forces, special projects
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Minimum of three years of progressive accounting experience
Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and familiarity with nonprofit or higher education accounting principles
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and aptitude for learning new financial systems
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to accuracy and detail
Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
All candidates must have a Christian perspective (preferably in the Wesleyan tradition) and must be comfortable with and in agreement with the mission and lifestyle values of NNU
Preferred Qualifications
CPA license (active or in progress)
Experience in fund accounting and/or ERP systems used in higher education
Supervisory or project leadership experience
Compensation Salary will be determined by the educational background and experience of each applicant. Full‑time personnel will be offered access to a benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance for employee and family, life and disability insurance, flexible spending plan, tuition benefits, annual leave, sick leave, opportunities for professional development, and a retirement program.
Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted, and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702‑703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Type Full‑time (1.0, 12‑month, onsite, exempt)
Essential Functions
Prepare and review monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger analyses
Support monthly soft close and annual year‑end close processes
Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements and supporting schedules for the external audit
Coordinate the annual IRS Form 990 preparation and filing
Assist with development and implementation of accounting policies and internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance
Accounts Receivable & Tax Compliance
Oversee non‑student accounts receivable, including invoicing, collections, and reconciliations
Assist in the preparation and filing of monthly state tax reports and remittances (Sales/Use Tax, Travel & Convention Tax, etc.)
Review and maintain vendor tax identification information; prepare and submit annual Form 1099s
Budgeting & Departmental Support
Provide financial reporting and budget analysis support for departments across the University
Assist in the preparation and maintenance of the annual institutional budget
Operational & Team Support
Review and approve Accounts Payable check and direct deposit batches
Monitor Positive Pay exceptions through Banking system
Cross‑train and provide backup support for key accounting functions (invoicing, cash disbursements, U‑Card processing, etc.)
Support financial process improvements and participate in system upgrades or implementations
Serve on committees, task forces, special projects
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Minimum of three years of progressive accounting experience
Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP and familiarity with nonprofit or higher education accounting principles
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and aptitude for learning new financial systems
Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to accuracy and detail
Ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion
All candidates must have a Christian perspective (preferably in the Wesleyan tradition) and must be comfortable with and in agreement with the mission and lifestyle values of NNU
Preferred Qualifications
CPA license (active or in progress)
Experience in fund accounting and/or ERP systems used in higher education
Supervisory or project leadership experience
Compensation Salary will be determined by the educational background and experience of each applicant. Full‑time personnel will be offered access to a benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance for employee and family, life and disability insurance, flexible spending plan, tuition benefits, annual leave, sick leave, opportunities for professional development, and a retirement program.
Northwest Nazarene University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Church of the Nazarene, Northwest Nazarene University is permitted, and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702‑703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended).
#J-18808-Ljbffr