Accountant II

CPA/Accountant II: N Raleigh location Open ended hybrid contract with possible potential for perm Position Summary This position is responsible for performing advanced professional accounting work in support of the Authority's financial operations, including accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, cash management, audit support, tax reporting, and compliance activities for agency grant, scholarship, loan, and emerging charitable giving programs.

Financial records, preparing complex reconciliations and journal entries, supporting month-end and year-end close processes, and ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), State accounting requirements, federal and State regulations, and internal control standards.

This position serves as a cross-functional accounting resource by providing backup support for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable operations during planned and unplanned staff absences and assists with implementation of new accounting processes, programs, and financial reporting requirements as agency programs evolve.

The position operates on a hybrid work schedule with regular in-office work two to three days each week. The successful candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Successful performance requires the ability to: Analyze large volumes of detailed financial data with a high degree of accuracy. Prepare and review complex spreadsheets, reconciliations, and financial reports. Work extensively with computerized accounting systems and multiple software platforms.

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and personal information. Communicate effectively through written correspondence, virtual meetings, telephone, and in-person interactions. Manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines during audit, month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing cycles.

Occasionally move or transport files and office materials weighing up to approximately 15 pounds.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Mid-career professional with a Master's degree and one to two years of progressively responsible accounting experience; or Bachelor's degree and two to four years of progressively responsible accounting experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Qualifications, Competencies and Experience Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and account reconciliation processes.

Demonstrated ability to analyze, reconcile, and interpret complex financial information while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Experience preparing journal entries, performing month-end and year-end close activities, reconciling general ledger accounts, and supporting annual financial audits. Ability to research accounting issues, identify root causes, develop practical solutions, and implement process improvements.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including development of complex spreadsheets, formulas, pivot tables, lookups, and financial analysis tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Word and computerized accounting systems is required.

Ability to learn and effectively utilize enterprise financial systems, customized software applications, and multiple financial reporting platforms. Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, external business partners, auditors, financial institutions, and governmental agencies. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or CPA candidate preferred. Experience with PeopleSoft Financials. Experience supporting governmental, higher education, nonprofit, or Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) financial operations.

Experience with accounting for grants, scholarships, charitable contributions, restricted funds, or donor-supported programs. Experience preparing or supporting federal and State tax reporting requirements, including information reporting and nonprofit-related reporting.

Demonstrated experience developing financial reports, improving accounting processes, strengthening internal controls, and identifying operational efficiencies. Special Physical/Mental Requirements Requires prolonged periods of computer use while performing detailed financial analysis and data entry.

Requires sustained concentration, attention to detail, sound professional judgment, and the ability to interpret complex financial information accurately. Must be able to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, virtually, and through written correspondence.

Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment and effectively manage multiple deadlines, particularly during month-end, year-end, audit, and reporting cycles. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Description of Work 35% Finance – Accounting Perform advanced accounting functions for agency grant, scholarship, loan, and charitable giving programs.

Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, month-end and year-end closing activities, and financial analyses to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records. Reconcile complex financial transactions across multiple accounting systems, banking platforms, and program databases.

Analyze variances, research discrepancies, prepare correcting entries, and recommend improvements to accounting processes and internal controls. Assist with implementation of new accounting initiatives, financial reporting requirements, and accounting procedures supporting new agency programs and funding sources.

Maintain accounting records in accordance with State records retention requirements and established accounting policies. 25% Financial Reporting, Compliance and Tax Reporting Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial reports for management, program staff, and external stakeholders.

Assist in preparing annual financial statements, audit schedules, supporting documentation, and year-end reporting for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Respond to auditor requests and assist with implementation of audit recommendations.

Support federal and State tax reporting requirements applicable to the Authority's programs, including reporting related to charitable contributions, Scholarship Granting Organizations, information reporting, and other regulatory filing requirements as assigned.

Monitor compliance with applicable accounting standards, State policies, grant requirements, and internal control procedures. 20% Budget Management and Financial Analysis Monitor program budgets, available funding, expenditures, and cash balances for multiple State-funded and donor-supported programs.

Prepare financial analyses, budget projections, and funding recommendations. Assist with quarterly allotment requests, fund transfers, budget adjustments, and year-end carryforward and reversion calculations.

Work collaboratively with program managers, Finance leadership, UNC System Office, and other business partners to ensure financial resources are properly allocated and available to support agency operations.

10% Cross-Functional Accounting Operations Provide backup support for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable operations, ensuring continuity of critical financial functions during staff absences or periods of increased workload.

Assist with processing receipts, disbursements, deposits, reconciliations, payment processing, and other accounting transactions as needed while maintaining compliance with established internal controls.

Utilize PeopleSoft Financials and other customized financial systems to ensure timely and accurate transaction processing and financial reporting. 10% Special Projects Participate in special projects assigned by the Chief Financial Officer, Deputy Director, or Controller.

Research accounting issues, evaluate financial processes, recommend operational improvements, develop reporting tools, and assist with implementation of new financial systems.