St. John’s, established in 1870, has three New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations. 

A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission.  As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community.  We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.  

Department:  Division of Student Affairs

Specific Job Title:  Student Government, Inc. – Accountant

Reports to: Sr. Associate Dean of Students

Campus:  Queens

Job Summary:

The Student Government, Inc. (SGI) Accountant is responsible for the reconciliation and analysis of various reconciliations, account analysis and financial reporting that directly supports the Student Government, Inc. executive board members, student organizations and administrative staff. They will be a key supporting member for SGI and St. John’s University supporting financial operations and ensuring the fiscal integrity of the organization's funds. This role involves managing financial records, preparing reports, and collaborating with student leaders to ensure proper use of resources. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to supporting student governance.

Essential Functions

Financial Management:

• Oversee fiscal management of Student Government, Inc in conjunction with the Executive Board of the Student Government, Inc. and St. John’s University leadership.
• Manage four external business bank accounts for Student Government, Inc., including reconciling monthly earned income bank statements and posting activity
• Manage all accounts payable and accounts receivables, payroll and general ledger entries.
• Maintain financial records, monitor cash-flow, budgeting, and financial forecasting to maintain fiscal health. 
• Handle the internal management of all SGI-recognized student organization budgets and earned income accounts, including managing special budget allocation requests and expenditures.
• Provide monthly reports to student organization leaders and Student Affairs liaisons.
• Reconcile invoices from university departments to ensure prompt and proper payment.
• Enter additional ledger accounts as needed via Quickbooks
• Develop and maintain a filing system for financial documentation.

Auditing and Compliance:

•        Conduct regular internal audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university guidelines.
• Prepare for and coordinate external audits with an outside auditing firm, providing necessary documentation and support. 
• Implement and enforce internal controls to safeguard SGI Assets and ensure accurate financial reporting. 
• Ensure that all financial transactions are administratively compliant with both University and SGI policies, as well as generally accepted accounting practices.
• Track and audit all petty cash requests and facilitate deposits in external bank accounts.
• Provide assistance with year-end fiscal audit and financial statements by preparing supporting audit schedules and completing footnote disclosures.

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for review by student leaders, university administration, and external stakeholders.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement.
• Present financial information to the Student Government Inc. board and other relevant committees.
• Verify financial deposits and march records in Quickbooks alongside financial clerk and make necessary journal entries.

Budgeting and Planning:

• Assist in the preparation of budget proposals and financial plans for the Executive Board and Sr. Associate Dean for new initiatives and projects.
• Monitor budget performance and recommend adjustments as necessary to achieve financial goals.
• Collaborate with Campus Concierge to provide general support with student ticket sales, collection of funds and deposits into university and non-university accounts.

Leadership and Collaboration:

•       Manage and Supervise a Part-Time Financial Clerk
• Recruit, train student workers that work for Student Government, Inc. 
• Work closely with Graduate Assistants within Student Government, Inc. 
• Document and updating accounting policies and procedures as necessary. 
• Work closely with the Division of Student Success to align financial practices In SGI with the university's strategic objectives.
• Participate in leadership initiatives to promote financial literacy and accountability for student leaders.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance and Business Operations of the Division of Student Success on various projects and financial analysis of Student Fee Revenue.

Financial Systems and Technology:

•        Maintain and enhance financial systems (Engage & Quickbooks) software to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Train staff and students on financial systems and ensure proper usage.
• Willingness to develop new systems to improve processing efficiency within SGI is a plus.

Competencies

• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accuracy while working on a variety of tasks;
• Have an understanding of general accounting principles and the related internal controls;
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written;  
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Quickbooks;
• Knowledge of Form-Building Software (eg. Formstack & Google Forms)
• Must be student-centered and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills in relating with students, faculty and other departments/units of the University;
• Must be able to work independently and take initiative;
• Must be able to multi-task and work efficiently under pressure;
• Must be enthusiastic and flexible.

Supervisory Responsibility: 

Position supervises student workers who assist with specific tasks. 

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment, and the candidate is required to use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, etc. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, move about, sit, carry work, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs and communicate. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 10 lbs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Required Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; 
• 1 to 3 years of related experience;
• Knowledge of QuickBooks. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

•       MBA or Master’s Degree in a related field (Accounting, Management, etc)
•       CPA Certification
•       3 to 5 years of related experience; 

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $64,350. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.  

This position may be relocated to any of St. John’s University’s physical locations at any time. 

St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events 

Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education. 

St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.