Staff Accountant

Job description

Staff Accountant

Posted on 7/22/2026

Accepting applications

About this position

The Staff Accountant performs professional accounting, financial reporting, and administrative duties that support the College's accounting, budgeting, and fiscal operations. The position exercises independent judgment and discretion in the application of accounting principles, analysis of financial data, and execution of established financial procedures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the College's financial records.

This is a hands-on role that requires attention to detail and a willingness to perform all aspects of the accounting process, from data entry and reconciliation to financial analysis and report preparation, ensuring projects and financial transactions are completed accurately and on schedule. The Staff Accountant collaborates with departments across the College and provides support to the Controller and the Vice President for Finance and Administration in the administration of financial services, special projects, audits, and other accounting functions as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Prepares required and assigned reports by compiling, researching and analyzing data (including any reconciliation work required). Assists in the preparation and construction of the College's internal operating budget as required by the Controller or VP of Finance and Administration. Maintains the accuracy of financial data through assigning the correct budget numbers and expense codes, reviewing or approving transactions, properly recording transactions via journal entries, preparing and reviewing budget adjustments, researching and analyzing data regarding needed updates, and preparing monthly reconciliations. Assists with the preparation of year-end procedures and audit workpapers. Assists the Financial Aid Office by reconciling federal and state reports to the general ledger and also maintains the named scholarships listing. Reconciles all trust statements to the general ledger. Regularly review accounts payable edits. Assists in the preparation of the College's tax return and other reporting requirements. Assists with managing College purchasing cards. Assists in the establishment of system-wide policies and procedures which ensure that resources are used in the most effective and efficient manner by all departments. Coordinate with Information Services to obtain various reports and information as needed for budgeting. Explain accounting transactions and resolve accounting issues and discrepancies with College personnel. Perform accounting research in literature and the standards to ensure proper accounting treatment. Contributes to the overall success of the Business Affairs office by performing all other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Controller or VP of Finance while maintaining high levels of accuracy, customer service, professional demeanor and appropriate levels of confidentiality at all times. About our ideal candidate

EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree in accounting required. 1-3 years substantial work-related experience required. Working knowledge of accounting, accounting standards, and regulatory accounting. Non-profit and/or higher education experience a plus. Outstanding written and oral communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook is required. In-depth understanding of relevant financial reporting requirements and ability to research and interpret new guidelines. Has ability to prioritize work, operate independently, work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Works well as part of a team by assisting and supporting others in department. Strong ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Prolonged periods of sitting while performing accounting, reconciliation, and data entry tasks. Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, calculator, and other standard office equipment. Frequent viewing of computer monitors requiring close visual acuity for reviewing financial records, spreadsheets, and reports. Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, write, handle documents, and operate office equipment. Occasional standing and walking throughout the office or to other campus departments to deliver documents, attend meetings, or provide customer service. Frequent verbal communication and active listening when interacting with faculty, staff, vendors, students, auditors, and external agencies, both in person and by telephone or video conferencing. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret detailed financial information, contracts, invoices, and reports. Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, or kneeling to retrieve files or access office supplies. Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling office materials, files, paper, or boxed records weighing up to 15-20 pounds. Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail for extended periods while performing complex financial transactions and reconciliations. Occasional travel across campus to attend meetings, training sessions, or assist with audits or departmental activities. WORKING CONDITIONS

The Staff Accountant works primarily in a professional, climate-controlled office environment within a college setting. The position involves regular use of computers and standard office equipment and requires extended periods of desk work. Work is generally performed during normal business hours, with occasional early morning, evening, or extended hours during peak periods such as month-end and year-end close, annual audits, budget preparation, fiscal year-end activities, or other critical financial deadlines.

The work environment is typically quiet to moderately busy, with frequent interaction with faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and other stakeholders in person, by telephone, and through electronic communications. The position may require occasional travel between campus offices to attend meetings, deliver documents, or collaborate with other departments. The role requires maintaining confidentiality, working with minimal physical hazards, and managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not routinely required for this position. In limited circumstances, PPE may be required in accordance with institutional safety procedures, public health guidance, or specific school activities or events.

About us

The College's health and wellness plans along with generous paid time-off benefits are in addition to rewarding employee benefits such as the tuition grant and 403(b) plan.

The employee tuition grant is a remarkable benefit that covers the cost of 100% of the College's tuition for dependent children of faculty and staff who have been employed with the college fulltime for one year. Employees can also take advantage of the benefit for themselves.

The Defined Contribution Retirement Plan is a 403(b) plan in which the college automatically contributes 7% of the eligible employee's earnings into a retirement fund whether the employee chooses to participate or not. The account has a comprehensive investment portfolio and allows the employee to control their investment choices. At 6 years of service, the employer contribution amount is elevated to 10%. Employees can choose to participate through pre-tax payroll deductions when ready!

Florida Southern College is committed to diversity and inclusion in hiring, campus life, and intellectual engagement and welcomes applications from all interested candidates. The college actively seeks a wide variety of candidates and enthusiastically looks to diversify our workforce.

Florida Southern College has a strong commitment to the principles of equal employment opportunity. The college recruits, hires, trains, transfers, promotes and compensates individuals and makes all personnel decisions without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, or physical or mental disability unrelated to an individual's ability to perform the job, in accordance with applicable law.

As the oldest private college in Florida, Florida Southern College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution located in Lakeland, enrolling approximately 3,500 students across more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. The College is known for its strong student-to-faculty ratio and its emphasis on engaged learning, providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of leadership and service. Florida Southern is home to the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and competes in NCAA Division II athletics, with a distinguished record of national championships. Consistently ranked among the top regional institutions in the South by U.S. News & World Report and recognized by The Princeton Review, Florida Southern equips students to lead lives of positive and consequential impact through dynamic, engaged learning in its iconic setting and beyond.

Connect with Florida Southern College.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required
• 1-3 years substantial work-related experience required
• Working knowledge of accounting, accounting standards, and regulatory accounting
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook is required
• In-depth understanding of relevant financial reporting requirements and ability to research and interpret new guidelines
• Has ability to prioritize work, operate independently, work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Works well as part of a team by assisting and supporting others in department
• Strong ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• In limited circumstances, PPE may be required in accordance with institutional safety procedures, public health guidance, or specific school activities or events

Benefits

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not routinely required for this position
• The College's health and wellness plans along with generous paid time-off benefits are in addition to rewarding employee benefits such as the tuition grant and 403(b) plan
• The employee tuition grant is a remarkable benefit that covers the cost of 100% of the College's tuition for dependent children of faculty and staff who have been employed with the college fulltime for one year
• Employees can also take advantage of the benefit for themselves
• The Defined Contribution Retirement Plan is a 403(b) plan in which the college automatically contributes 7% of the eligible employee's earnings into a retirement fund whether the employee chooses to participate or not
• The account has a comprehensive investment portfolio and allows the employee to control their investment choices
• At 6 years of service, the employer contribution amount is elevated to 10%
• Employees can choose to participate through pre-tax payroll deductions when ready!

Responsibilities

• The Staff Accountant performs professional accounting, financial reporting, and administrative duties that support the College's accounting, budgeting, and fiscal operations
• The position exercises independent judgment and discretion in the application of accounting principles, analysis of financial data, and execution of established financial procedures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the College's financial records
• This is a hands-on role that requires attention to detail and a willingness to perform all aspects of the accounting process, from data entry and reconciliation to financial analysis and report preparation, ensuring projects and financial transactions are completed accurately and on schedule
• The Staff Accountant collaborates with departments across the College and provides support to the Controller and the Vice President for Finance and Administration in the administration of financial services, special projects, audits, and other accounting functions as assigned
• Prepares required and assigned reports by compiling, researching and analyzing data (including any reconciliation work required)
• Assists in the preparation and construction of the College's internal operating budget as required by the Controller or VP of Finance and Administration
• Maintains the accuracy of financial data through assigning the correct budget numbers and expense codes, reviewing or approving transactions, properly recording transactions via journal entries, preparing and reviewing budget adjustments, researching and analyzing data regarding needed updates, and preparing monthly reconciliations
• Assists with the preparation of year-end procedures and audit workpapers
• Assists the Financial Aid Office by reconciling federal and state reports to the general ledger and also maintains the named scholarships listing
• Reconciles all trust statements to the general ledger
• Regularly review accounts payable edits
• Assists in the preparation of the College's tax return and other reporting requirements
• Assists with managing College purchasing cards
• Assists in the establishment of system-wide policies and procedures which ensure that resources are used in the most effective and efficient manner by all departments
• Coordinate with Information Services to obtain various reports and information as needed for budgeting
• Explain accounting transactions and resolve accounting issues and discrepancies with College personnel
• Perform accounting research in literature and the standards to ensure proper accounting treatment
• Contributes to the overall success of the Business Affairs office by performing all other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Controller or VP of Finance while maintaining high levels of accuracy, customer service, professional demeanor and appropriate levels of confidentiality at all times
• Prolonged periods of sitting while performing accounting, reconciliation, and data entry tasks
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, calculator, and other standard office equipment
• Frequent viewing of computer monitors requiring close visual acuity for reviewing financial records, spreadsheets, and reports
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, write, handle documents, and operate office equipment
• Occasional standing and walking throughout the office or to other campus departments to deliver documents, attend meetings, or provide customer service
• Frequent verbal communication and active listening when interacting with faculty, staff, vendors, students, auditors, and external agencies, both in person and by telephone or video conferencing
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret detailed financial information, contracts, invoices, and reports
• Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, or kneeling to retrieve files or access office supplies
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling office materials, files, paper, or boxed records weighing up to 15-20 pounds
• Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail for extended periods while performing complex financial transactions and reconciliations
• Occasional travel across campus to attend meetings, training sessions, or assist with audits or departmental activities
• The Staff Accountant works primarily in a professional, climate-controlled office environment within a college setting
• The position involves regular use of computers and standard office equipment and requires extended periods of desk work
• Work is generally performed during normal business hours, with occasional early morning, evening, or extended hours during peak periods such as month-end and year-end close, annual audits, budget preparation, fiscal year-end activities, or other critical financial deadlines
• The work environment is typically quiet to moderately busy, with frequent interaction with faculty, staff, students, vendors, auditors, and other stakeholders in person, by telephone, and through electronic communications
• The position may require occasional travel between campus offices to attend meetings, deliver documents, or collaborate with other departments
• The role requires maintaining confidentiality, working with minimal physical hazards, and managing multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment

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