DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Office of Finance includes Student Accounts, Accounting/Accounts Payable/Procurement, Budgeting, Endowment, and Finance functions, along with the Financial Aid Office.

JOB SUMMARY:

Drake University seeks qualified applicants for the Financial Accounting and Reporting Analyst. Reporting to the Associate CFO/Controller, this position is responsible for managing financial reporting processes, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial statements, and maintaining compliance with tax and accounting standards and regulations. This role involves preparing financial reports, analyzing financial data, and supporting the month-end and year-end processes. In addition, the role includes general accounting responsibilities related to the University’s debt portfolio, fixed asset records, and general ledger chart of accounts.
Upon successful completion of the onboarding process and ongoing satisfactory performance, a hybrid work arrangement may be available (pursuant to Drake’s Customized Work Arrangement policy).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in financial accounting or related role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and analyze complex tax and audit issues.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to interact with internal units as well as tax and audit authorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or equivalent certification.
• Advanced understanding of GAAP, accounting principles, and applicable laws/regulations.
• Experience with Ellucian’s Banner or similar ERP systems

• 20% - Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements in compliance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Ensure timely completion of month-end and year-end close processes. Record journal entries as necessary in the general ledger system. Prepare and review assigned financial account reconciliations. - (Essential)
• 15% - Manage and update fixed asset module. Record monthly depreciation expense. Coordinate with university departments to track asset inventories and ensure accurate recording of new additions or disposals. Reconcile fixed asset module to the general ledger, including preparing and recording necessary journal entries. Work with campus facility staff to monitor and track capital project progress and associated funding. Prepare periodic construction in process reports. - (Essential)
• 15% - Responsible for the accounting and reporting of the University’s long-term debt portfolio, including preparation of reimbursement requests, assisting with new bond offerings, and monitoring the terms outlined in executed bond agreements. Maintain debt service schedule and ensure timely processing of related principal and interest payments. Monitor and ensure compliance with post-issuance requirements as outlined in the University’s policies and procedures. - (Essential)
• 15% - Monitor and ensure timely completion of required external financial compliance reporting, including the annual external audit. Coordinate the preparation of supporting schedules audits and other regulatory requirements. Facilitate communication and coordinate between the University’s departments and external auditors during the audit process. Provide auditors with necessary information and promptly address inquiries. - (Essential)
• 15% - Direct the University’s tax compliance, ensuring timely preparation and filing of federal and state tax returns. Review the University’s activities to assess potential taxability under Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) regulations, ensuring accurate and complete disclose in tax filings. Assist in determining the correct tax treatment for identified activities by interpreting and applying federal and state tax laws and other relevant guidelines. Advise colleges, schools, and administrative units in the design and implementation of procedures to support compliance with tax reporting requirements and provide recommended improvements to policies and procedures to support compliance with applicable law. - (Essential)
• 10% - Assist the Controller, Budget Director, and Chief Financial Officer with special projects as assigned and provide Ad hoc reporting for the Finance department. Generate and analyze accounting data and produce financial reports or statements for use in monitoring and analyzing financial performance. Produce meaningful and reliable conclusions based on analysis of financial information to support operational transparency and improvement. Communicate financial results to management and University departments clearly and concisely. - (Essential)
• 5% - Maintain Banner FOAPAL elements and chart of accounts structure to support efficient and accurate reporting structures. Perform month end checks to ensure proper use of FOAPAL elements by university personnel. - (Essential)
• 5% - Other duties, as assigned. - (Essential)