Accountant I - AP

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Controller, the accountant provides general accounting support and is responsible for the Accounts Payable operation.  The accountant assures the accuracy of accounting data, sufficiency of documentation, timely response to requests for information, account analysis and reconciliation, reporting, and audit support.  This position involves a variety of duties and responsibilities with an emphasis on attention to detail, customer service, follow-through, and initiative.

• Reviews invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate authorization.
• Provides guidance to faculty, staff, and students on expense reimbursement policies, payment approvals, and required forms.
• Records accounts payable data in accounting system and perform weekly reconciliation of accounts payable aging report and general ledger.
• Selects vendors to be paid taking into consideration cash available and payment due dates.
• Sends list of selected vendors to Assistant Controller for review and approval.
• Prepares, processes, and distributes all accounts payable checks.
• Researches and analyzes vendor accounts as required.
• Manages the processing and issuance of 1099NECs and 1099MISCs.
• Maintains all vendor files assuring completeness, accuracy, and ease of retrieval.

• Prepares account analysis and audit schedules. Account analysis including but not limited to:
• Advances
• Prepaid Expenses
• Accounts Payable and Accounts Payable Miscellaneous
• Additional accounts and analysis to be determined
• Recommends and assists in the development of procedures in support of the Accounting Office and the College.
• Assists the Student Accounts Accountant with responses to audit requests for information regarding the student billing system.

• Collaborate and coordinates with Student Receivables Manager to support as necessary.

• →Professionally communicates and interacts with colleagues across departments as well as with students.
• →Arranges and prepares for document storage and shredding as needed.
• →Prepares correspondence, file folders, binders, and mailings as needed.
• →Responds to all internal and external inquiries regarding charges, payment policies and procedures, and refer concerns to appropriate office and/or individual.

We seek a candidate who values diversity, equity and inclusion in all that they do. Candidates must have strong organizational skills and a proven ability to work collaboratively with all partners across campus and in the Accounting Office in support of Hood College’s mission as a student-centered, liberal arts institution.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Bachelor’s degree preferred with an emphasis in accounting or business and one to two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required. 

The ability to respond calmly and professionally to sometimes difficult, stressful, and challenging interactions is critical to successful performance of this function. 

Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet.  Ability to learn new applications quickly including organization-wide information systems and department-specific software applications. 

Proficiency in GP Dynamics, Ellucian Colleague, and Power Campus is desirable.

Strong oral and written communication skills.  Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Proficient with statistical and financial concepts.  Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting, and interpreting reports.  Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.  Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in the theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

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.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use fingers, hands, reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.  The employee is required to sit. The employee may occasionally be required to stand and lift and move up to twenty-five pounds.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The work environment described here is representative of what an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level is usually moderate and will include interaction with other employees, students, the public, telephones, and other office equipment. 

We invite qualified candidates to apply online via our electronic application which requires submission of a cover letter, resumé and three professional references.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please email humanresources@hood.edu or call (301) 696-3592.

Hood College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, religion, or age in recruitment, admission and access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs, services, benefits, or activities as required by applicable laws including Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and complies with the law regarding reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants and students. Inquiries about discrimination or reasonable accommodation should be referred to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator at Alumnae Hall, 401 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD. 21701 (AD 308), (301) 696-3123. For complete information on Hood College’s nondiscrimination policy, please visit http://www.hood.edu/non-discrimination/