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

 Team Leadership

• Supervise accounting staff (Accounts Payable, Receivables, Payroll, and/or general ledger accountants)
• 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

About The University of Olivet

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.

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