Texas Southern University
Senior Accountant

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Texas Southern University in its search for a Senior Accountant. 

For full consideration, please apply by July 15, 2025.

Texas Southern University (TSU) is entering a transformative era, marked by strategic growth and visionary leadership. With the appointment of President James W. Crawford III last summer, TSU is poised to elevate its research status from R2 to R1 by 2030, reflecting a commitment to academic excellence and innovation. This period of renewal is further underscored by a campaign aimed at strengthening academic programs, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering community engagement, all as the university gears up to celebrate its Centennial.

The Senior Accountant will support the financial operations of TSU as they join one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the university’s financial records through accurate and timely reconciliation, reporting, and analysis. The position handles journal entries, reconciles ledger and sub-ledger accounts, supports month-end and year-end closing processes, and ensures compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations. The Senior Accountant plays a key role in audit preparation, reporting for internal and external stakeholders, and continuous process improvements related to student accounting and general finance functions. 

This position reports to the AVP, Business & Finance/Controller.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform reconciliations between general ledger and subsidiary ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state and institutional accounting standards
• Maintain and update financial records, ensuring accurate reporting of revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities
• Manage month-end close procedures, including reviewing and approving transactions, confirming funding sources, and balancing reports
• Process interdepartmental journal entries and transactions, ensuring appropriate documentation, approvals, and funding alignment
• Monitor and approve daily financial transactions and request budget transfers as needed; proactively flag and resolve discrepancies
• Prepare internal and external financial, monthly reconciliations and analysis in a timely manner
• Respond to audit requests from external and internal auditors; assist with grant closeouts and year-end reporting
• Serve as liaison for internal auditors and federal, state, and other external stakeholders
• Analyze and maintain data in Banner and other financial systems; ensure data integrity and compliance

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 

• Federal, state, local, and county laws
• Institutional policies, procedures and practices 
• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) including governmental and fund accounting standards
• Accounting systems, particularly Banner and similar ERP systems 
• Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications

Skills in: 

• Financial analysis, reconciliation and reporting
• Attention to detail with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Effective verbal and written communication 
• Managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines
• Customer service and collaboration with internal departments and external partners

Ability to: 

• Analyze and interpret complex financial data
• Prepare and verify accurate financial reports
• Identify discrepancies and recommend or implement corrective actions
• Support audit and compliance process
• Contribute to process improvements and system enhancements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or other closely related field
• A minimum of three (3) years of related experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Banner experience
• Fund accounting experience
• State higher education accounting experience

About the Institution 

Texas Southern University is a public, historically Black university (HBCU) located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1927, it has evolved into a comprehensive doctoral institution committed to academic excellence and community engagement. TSU offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across 10 colleges and schools, including the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The university is recognized for its diverse student body, with more than 8,700 students enrolled, representing various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. 

Located in Houston's historic Third Ward, TSU serves as a cultural and educational hub within the city. The 150-acre urban campus is situated just two miles southeast of downtown Houston, connecting students to the city's rich cultural, professional, and recreational resources. TSU’s vibrant campus life features over 80 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics through the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and numerous programs and centers that support leadership, service and urban impact. ? 

Living in the Area 

As the nation’s fourth largest city, Houston offers the advantages of a vibrant metropolitan environment paired with a relatively low cost of living—especially in housing—and no state income tax, making it an attractive destination for professionals and families alike. Often cited as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America, Houston is home to vibrant communities from around the globe, reflected in its food, cultural life, and neighborhoods. From world-class museums in the Museum District to eclectic dining in Montrose and authentic global cuisine in Chinatown, the city celebrates inclusivity and international flair at every turn. 

Houston offers exceptional accessibility and year-round recreation. With two major airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU)—residents enjoy convenient national and international travel. The city’s robust transportation infrastructure, including metro rail and park-and-ride services, supports easy commuting. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the city’s extensive parks system, including Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou, while the Gulf Coast’s beaches are just a short drive away. Add in professional sports, museums, and warm weather nearly year-round, and Houston delivers a lifestyle that’s both active and connected. 

The city is also a hub for major industries, including energy, healthcare, aerospace, and technology. It’s home to the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical complex in the world—as well as NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which continues to drive innovation and research. The city's robust job market and entrepreneurial spirit make it an attractive destination for ambitious individuals looking to advance their careers or launch new ventures. 

To Apply? 

For full consideration, please apply by July 15, 2025. 

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyqgtoc

Please apply through the application link and do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. Ideally cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially. 

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially. 

Inquiries and questions: Please send TSUSeniorAccountant@acesrch.com

Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information if available to nominations@acesrch.com

Institutional Information 

Texas Southern University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment or in the provision of services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability.