he University of Olivet was founded in 1844 by leaders who believed an education should be available to anyone regardless of gender, race or financial means. “Education for Individual and Social Responsibility” is at the core of our learning community.
The University of Olivet is located in a quiet, small community setting that is within 30 miles of Battle Creek, Marshall and Lansing, Michigan. The region offers numerous high quality school districts and an affordable and stable cost of living.
Job Summary:
The Senior Accounting Manager supports the university’s mission by managing day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial records, and leading a team responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and general ledger activities. This role works closely with department leaders to strengthen internal controls, enhance financial processes, and support timely and reliable financial reporting in the presentation and interpretation to executive management, Resources Committee and Board of Trustees. The Senior Accounting Manager also serves as a key resource to campus departments, providing guidance on accounting policies, purchasing procedures, and grant/contract financial requirements. Additionally, this position will maintain the general ledger accurately, analyze transactions, reconcile several bank accounts, communicate budget information to various departments, and perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounting Operations
Prepare standard and miscellaneous journal entries
Lead daily accounting activities including cash postings, reconciliations, payroll allocations, journal entries, and deposit review
Review and approve journal entries and account reconciliations prepared by finance staff
Monitor purchasing procedures, invoice processing, travel/expense reimbursement, and corporate/p-card usage
Maintain accurate filing system for receipts, payables, journal entries
Analyze trial balance accounts for accuracy and support of balances
Financial Reporting & Month-End Close
Coordinate and manage the monthly and year-end close processes
Prepare preliminary financial reports, variance analyses, and schedules to support CFO review
Assist in preparing audit schedules, grant compliance reports, and tax filings (e.g., 1099, 1098-T, 990 support)
Grant, Endowment, and Restricted Fund Support
Support proper coding, tracking, and reporting of restricted gifts, pledges, grants, and endowed funds
Ensure expenses associated with federal, state, and private grant funds comply with award requirements
Assist with investment and endowment reconciliation processes
Internal Controls, Compliance, & Process Improvement
Help develop and maintain strong internal controls over cash handling, payroll, purchasing, and accounts receivable
Participate in evaluating accounting policies, procedures, and system enhancements
Train faculty and staff on financial policies, expense rules, and purchasing best practices
Monitor department and line item budgets and the underlying purchase order process and procedures
Maintain proper internal financial controls and segregation of duties, including review, recommendation and implementation of appropriate control measures
Provide training, mentoring, cross-training, and performance feedback
Support a culture of accountability, professional growth, and service to the campus community
Compensation:
An attractive and competitive salary/benefits package commensurate with experience will be offered to the right candidate.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
Minimum of 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably including nonprofit or higher education
Strong working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting
Demonstrated experience with financial systems and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, etc.), in addition to other Microsoft Office applications
Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and timeliness
Analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking and decision making skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Progress toward CPA, CMA, master’s degree, or relevant certification
Experience with multi-fund accounting, endowments, or grants
Familiarity with student information systems or ERPs such as Jenzabar, or equivalent ERP solution
Key Competencies
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity
Customer service mindset when working with students, faculty, and departments
Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial staff
Problem-solving and continuous improvement orientation
Ethical judgement and respect for confidentiality
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Standard office environment requiring extended periods of computer use
Occasional evening or weekend work during peak periods (fiscal year-end, audits, or deadlines)
Ability to sit for extended periods and work with computers, files, and financial documents
The University of Olivet was founded in 1844 as an institution of higher education open to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay. The university’s faculty and staff continue its tradition of creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students and maintain its commitment to social justice. The university is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state of Michigan and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. The undergraduate student body is a mix of urban and rural students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation college attendees. The university’s faculty and staff are committed to providing personalized, individualized attention for students who commit themselves to seeking academic and personal success.
Located in Olivet, Michigan, the university is within driving distance of Lansing, Battle Creek, and Kalamazoo; two hours from the metropolitan Detroit area; and three hours from Chicago.