Lehigh University Hiring for Financial Analyst, Capital Asset and Real Estate Accountant at Bethlehem Full Time

Job no: 502519
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Finance/Accounting

Responsible for managing the overall operation of Capital Asset and Real Estate Accounting, including leases. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

1. Manage the overall operation of the Capital Asset Accounting function of the Controller’s Office
*Develop and ensure the proper administration of University policies and procedures regarding the University’s equipment, buildings and campus improvements
*Reconcile Banner Fixed Assets To Banner Finance
*Send out monthly reminders to Financial Managers regarding inactive plant funds, plant funds in deficit and plant funds exceeding approved budgets; resolves funding issues with the Budget Office and the Facilities Office
*Provide information and assistance to research accounting relating to the Indirect Cost Study
*Prepare annual Statement of Values report for Office of Risk Management
*Review all equipment purchases, building and campus renovations projects and capital leases for inclusion in the Fixed Assets System and the University’s balance sheet
*Process capitalization entries on Banner for non-equipment
*Review all open construction projects quarterly and at fiscal year-end and records construction-in-progress entries
*Implement process improvements and improve efficiencies and controls
*Supervise and train staff and evaluates performance
*Accounting for President’s Capital Fund
* Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Controller

2. Manage the University’s rolling inventory control process as required by federal circulars
*Support the development and implementation of inventory control procedures, policies and best practices to optimize inventory accuracy
*Collaborate with University personnel, procurement teams and other departments to ensure effective communication and coordination for inventory-related activities
*Participate in physical inventory audits to validate inventory accuracy, identify discrepancies and reconcile discrepancies in a timely manner
*Accurately enter inventory data into Banner, update records and maintain documentation related to inventory control activities
*Maintain and update the inventory management system, including item master data and inventory parameters, to ensure accurate and efficient inventory control processes
*Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation and efficiency enhancements within the inventory control function and actively contribute to their implementation

3. Provide accounting support for the University’s Real Estate transactions
*May include preparing financial statements of various University owned real estate entities, opening and closing indexes, reconciling accounts, preparing tax estimates and payments and assisting with yearly budgeting
*Apply relevant accounting principles to real estate transactions
*Possess a good understanding of various types of real estate transactions, property management practices, lease agreements and industry-specific financial reporting requirements
*Maintain familiarity with real estate terminology and stay up to date with market trends and regulations impacting the industry
*Work closely with the University’s Real Estate Services team; effective communication skills are necessary to explain financial information, provide insights and collaborate with different stakeholders
*Present financial data in a clear and concise manner to individuals with varying levels of financial knowledge
*Maintain confidentiality, exercise integrity and comply with relevant accounting regulations and ethical guidelines; an eye for detail is crucial to ensure accuracy in recording transactions, reconciling accounts and preparing financial reports

4. Prepare year-end entries and schedules and assist with Controllers Office fiscal year-end close and audit
*Plan year-end schedule for property management and coordinate year-end requirements with Controller’s Office staff
*Prepare year-end schedules in support of financial statement entries and footnotes (ex. CIP detail and capitalization schedules)
*Run the Depreciation Process and Audit
*Assist external auditors and internal auditors in resolving audit questions
*Answer or resolve any audit questions/issues

5. Ensure the accuracy of information stored in Banner
*Test Banner System upgrades
*Create Queries for end-users that will allow them to retrieve timely and accurate information on an as-needed basis
*Ensure the accuracy of the data within the Fixed Assets module of Banner by testing and reconciling data
*Assist end-users in obtaining information relating to plant funds and fixed assets

6. Ensure Lease Accounting is in compliance with GAAP (currently FASB 2016-02 ASC 842)
*Maintain knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for leases and ensure the lease portions of the financial statements are prepared according to GAAP
*Maintain integrity of lease accounting system; input lease information into third party software system (Lease Cradle or equivalent) ensuring accuracy and completeness; reconcile software data with Banner General Ledger and resolve differences
*Create monthly, annual, quarterly lease reports as needed by supervisor and / or management
*Prepare financial statement footnote(s)
*Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or Controller

Position Number: S97460Grade: 10-40; $64,330-$78,260This is an approximate range and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.Special ConsiderationsPersons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh’s Accommodations Specialist at [email protected] The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for UniversityThis position works with minorsQualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Accounting, a related field or equivalent combination of education and experienceFive to eight years of related work experienceExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to maintain a high level of accuracy in preparing and entering financial informationEfficiency, exhibited strong financial and analytical skillsExcellent organizational skills, time management and attention to detail Strong analytical and problem solving abilitiesExcellent computer skills with experience using word processing, spreadsheet and database softwareSuccessful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the positionOnly complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: October 05, 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled