Senior Accounting Manager

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.

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.

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

An attractive and competitive salary/benefits package commensurate with experience will be offered to the right candidate.

• 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…