Position Title:Accountant II
Department:Financial Services
Reports to:Director of Financial Services
Prepared By / Date:Andrea Wendland, Human Resources / Updated 04-08-2024
Approved By / Date:MLC Administrative Council / 10-07-2021
FLSA Status:Exempt
FTE1.00 FTE – Regular Full – time
Pay Grade:34

SUMMARY

The position is responsible for applying principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare timely accurate financial reports.  This position will work in tandem with the Director of Finance (DOF) to provide adequate reporting to facilitate the proper management of the college and its assets.  Additional duties under this position include assisting with compliance on laws and regulations governing the entity, such as Title IV, the Higher Learning Commission, payroll filings, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities and duties of the position shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Communicate effectively via phone, email, and in-person.
  • Compile and analyze financial information to prepare entries to accounts and document business transactions.
  • Coordinate the preparation of the biennium budget, quarterly projections, and plan modifications, as necessary.
  • Determine funding available for financial aid and coordinate financial disbursements with the Financial Aid Office.
  • Reconcile financial aid disbursed to amounts reported in general ledger and review the report provided to the Board for Ministerial Education (BME).
  • Coordinate use of restricted gifts, such as campaign funding, new scholarships, and single one-time gifts.
  • Prepare annual impact statements for restricted gifts and endowment funds.
  • Coordinate exceptions to student billing processes, such as study abroad experiences, immersion experiences, PSEO, and international students.
  • Prepare annual Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data filing.
  • Assist Accounts Payable with monthly credit card processing statements and proper expense coding.
  • Review accounts payable distributions on a weekly basis and payroll on a bi-monthly basis.
  • Audit and reconcile payables, receivables, journal entries, and other systems as requested.
  • Recommend improvements to systems for general accounting and internal controls.
  • Collect appropriate data and prepare federal, state and local reports and tax returns as needed, including sales tax, unrelated business income tax, and others
  • Provide monthly reporting to department supervisors.
  • Prepare documentation for external auditors for review by the DOF and the WELS Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
  • Coordinate the receipt or payment of Title IV Funds with the Financial Aid Office.
  • Record investment activity and invest additional endowment gifts.
  • Assist with the preparation of monthly financial statements, including recording to the general ledger, payroll transactions, monthly depreciation and fixed asset activity and Perkins Loan transactions.
  • Assist with payroll review process on a semi-monthly basis. Verify all payroll data as received and entered into the payroll system by the Human Resources Office. All payroll changes should be verified to the supporting data provided by either the employee or authorized by the department head in which the employee works.
  • Conduct other job-related duties and functions as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Although not required, preference may be given to an active member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod or the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
  • A deep commitment to the mission and core values of WELS and Martin Luther College and an ability to apply that commitment in the performance of daily responsibilities.
  • Ability to represent Martin Luther College in a friendly and professional manner, as an effective and experienced written and oral communicator, and with customer service and helpfulness to faculty, staff, students, prospective students and their families, prospective and existing donors, prospective and currently enrolled childcare children and their families, congregations, schools (private and public), local businesses, vendors, contractors, the community, and the general public.
  • Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail and
    time-management skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form, including problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to handle confidential information appropriately while abiding by privacy laws.
  • Exemplify ownership of and demonstrate pride in the fulfillment of responsibilities and tasks.
  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment by managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to use appropriate levels of sound judgment with independent decision-making.
  • Can define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
  • Aptitude to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, staff and the general WELS constituency.
  • A readiness to stay informed and up to date on advances in technology and accounting principles.
  • Understanding of payroll taxation laws including those related to called workers and tax reporting laws.
  • Ability to research and apply non-resident alien tax law.
  • Thorough understanding of Title IV Federal Financial Aid requirements.
  • Strong knowledge, experience, and proficiency with accounting systems, timekeeping and payroll systems, Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Excel Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and Word, general ledger software such as Blackbaud (BB), including Raisers Edge (RE) and Financial Edge (FE), and other general office software.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

  • A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business management or related field is required.
  • Minimum of five years related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, and talk or hear, and remain stationary such as sitting and standing for periods of time. This individual is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, manipulate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, bend, and kneel. The position requires minimum mobility and minimum physical exertion. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 20 pounds on a regular basis and up to 40 pounds on an occasional basis. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 90% of the work period while operating equipment such as phones, computer, computer keyboard, mouse, and similar office and classroom machines. The position requires vocal communication by means of the spoken word, and hearing is required to perceive information. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low. Occasional travel, irregular hours and evening and weekend hours may be necessary. This position is authorized for telecommuting beyond regularly stated office hours. This position is not authorized for permanent telecommuting. This position may apply for short-term telecommuting during regularly stated office hours with consideration for essential in-person responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with responsibilities and experience. This is a 1.00 FTE, year-round, exempt salaried position with benefits.

APPLY ONLINE

Click this link to apply online. Open until filled.

Direct all inquiries to Human Resources
507-354-8221
hr@mlc-wels.edu