Staff Accountant

Overview

SUMMARY

Open until filled- This role provides financial and procurement support by assisting with purchasing activities, vendor setup, P-Card compliance, and maintaining required documentation. It supports Foundation accounting through reconciliations and preparing revenue and expense entries, as well as grant-related billing and tracking. The position also handles budget entries, monthly financial reporting, account reconciliations, and year-end closeout tasks, including audit preparation. Additional responsibilities include preparing reports, maintaining confidentiality and accuracy, collaborating with stakeholders, and recommending process improvements.

Procurement & Purchasing Support

• Work collaboratively with the Procurement Manager to ensure purchasing activity aligns with College policies, North Carolina community college system rules, and state procurement requirements.
• May review requisitions for accuracy of account coding, availability of budget, and compliance with purchasing thresholds.
• Assist with vendor setup, W-9 collection, and verification of vendor compliance (e.g., E-Verify, NC Secretary of State registration).
• Assist with approval of Amazon orders.
• Support purchasing card (P-Card) reconciliation and monitor user compliance with College and state policies.
• Maintain proper documentation for procurements, including quotes, bids, sole-source justifications, and contract records.

Foundation Accounting & Financial Activity

• Assist with routine accounting functions for the Gaston College Foundation, including monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare or enter revenue and expense entries related to scholarships, endowments, annual fund contributions, grants administered through the Foundation, and departmental Foundation accounts.
• May assist with grant drawdowns, billing, and receivable tracking for Foundation-managed or pass-through grants.

Budget Entry & College Accounting

• Prepare and post budget journal entries as needed for assigned functional areas, ensuring accuracy and appropriate documentation.
• Update and maintain monthly internal financial reports to support management review and decision-making.
• Match transactions, reconcile monthly activity, and prepare check requests for WEX fuel card accounts.
• Support year-end closeout activities, including preparation of accruals, deferrals, and audit-ready schedules.
• Assist the Controller during the annual audit by gathering supporting documentation and preparing requested reports.

General & Administrative

• Prepare financial and operational reports for management as assigned.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and accuracy in all financial operations.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, customer service, and financial controls.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, fostering positive and constructive working relationships.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting or similar major.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience performing professional-level accounting work required.
• Experience with spreadsheets (Excel) and word processing (MS Word) required.
• Experience in nonprofit or Foundation accounting preferred.
• Experience in government, higher education, or fund accounting preferred.
• Experience with procurement or purchasing processes preferred.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in a standard office environment requiring extended periods of sitting. Some walking, standing, and bending required. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Position may occasionally require overtime or evening hours and may involve handling multiple deadlines.

Salary/Compensation: $44,641 per year