Accountant I

Position Summary

The Office of Property Accounting objective is to establish and promote measures that will enable the University to adequately safeguard and account for its capitalized buildings, books, and equipment. As well as comply with all applicable state, federal, and University rules, regulations, policies and procedures. This involves assisting with the coordination of the biennial physical inventory; recording acquisitions, deletions and other changes in the fixed asset system and associated files in a timely and appropriate manner; managing the transfer and disposition of surplus equipment; and providing equipment and property related information and training to University departments.

This position is responsible for the review, audit, analysis, and data entry of University expenditures as they relate to property, which includes all transactions regardless of source. This position assists the property supervisor in accounting for capital projects, performing inventories, reconciling detailed records of capital equipment, and other accounting as they relate to property accounting. Additionally, this position will collaborate within the Controller’s Office to ensure proper capitalization of projects is required.

The Office of Property Accounting seeks to demonstrate professional excellence and positive attitude while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the property accounting processes.

The ideal candidate is able to communicate effectively, has the ability to develop and sustain cooperative working relationships and is a team player. They can allocate time effectively, work under pressure, and are able to handle multiple demands and competing priorities.

Salary

$45,370 - $56,000

Essential Functions

• Performs general accounting activities, including the preparation, maintenance and reconciliation of ledger accounts and financial statements
• Prepares, records, analyzes and reports accounting transactions and ensures the integrity of accounting records for completeness, accuracy and compliance with accepted accounting policies and principles
• Provides financial support including forecasting, budgeting, and analyzing variations from the budget
• Analyzes and prepares accounts, financial statements and reports
• Conducts or assists in the documentation of accounting projects
• Identifies, prioritizes, and resolves financial issues; probes beyond stated situation; identifies underlying issues; recognizes exceptions; performs preliminary analysis
• Recommends, assists, tests, or implements process streamlining, system improvements or work flow changes; participates as a project team member

Additional Functions / Information

• Reviews, corrects, and processes all equipment related documents for accuracy including, but not limited to, purchase orders, invoices, journal vouchers, expense transfers, interdepartmental transfers, and check requests
• Monitors financial document approval queues for equipment transactions daily and ensures problems are identified and resolved
• Reviews and reconciles detailed equipment data in the fixed asset system - Interprets and analyzes complex spreadsheets for accurate data entry
• Assists in coordinating and conducting physical inventory and reconciling plant fund accounts and physical inventory results
• Resolves problems and answers departmental questions regarding property accounting issues
• Provides training and develops training materials on property transaction issues for departmental personnel as required
• Assists property supervisor and department administrators in completion of the various administrative tasks
• Provides support documentation and prepares requested schedules for audits including annual single audits of federal and state awards as related to property
• Serves as a resource for departments
• Engages in analysis of existing systems and makes recommendations for improvement, testing, and enhancements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• 3 year of related experience in general accounting
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year for year basis may be substituted
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software
• Basic knowledge of accounting and accounting principles
• Working knowledge of accounting and or ERP systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or finance
• Two years of related accounting experience in a university and/or nonprofit environment
• Experience with Oracle, Peoplesoft or related ERP systems

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies