NCHEMS is Hiring an Accountant

Title: Accountant
Reports To:  President
Employment category: Full time

Who We Are

The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) is a postsecondary education consulting organization that unlocks data and evidence to help states, systems, and institutions design policies and practices to meet their goals. Since 1969, we’ve been engaging higher education leaders and state and system-level policy makers, providing the insights and intelligence they need to create and sustain successful higher education institutions and systems.

About the Position

Reporting to the President, the Accountant carries out the organization’s financial accounting, reporting, and control activities. The incumbent manages accounts payable and receivable, oversees and coordinates with an outsourced payroll processing firm, reconciles accounts, generates monthly management reports, and supports the annual audits. This position provides analytic support and assists with financial statement oversight to administer grants and contracts, and financial and operational management. While this position does not have supervisory responsibilities, the incumbent is the primary contact with NCHEMS’ auditor and professional employer organization (PEO) that provides payroll and benefits management services on NCHEMS’ behalf. The ideal candidate will share a passion for working to improve higher education so that it continues to improve economic mobility, prosperity, and societal health and well-being. 

Work Location

NCHEMS operates in a hybrid environment, with staff working two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) in the Boulder, CO office and the other three days from home.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage all accounting transactions, including maintaining the integrity of the General Ledger and ensuring records provide adequate and proper audit trail.
• Collaborate with others to produce the annual budget. Report actual vs total budget.
• Ensure that all financial fiduciary responsibilities are performed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Collaborate with project managers and supervisors to:
  • Maintain a calendar for accounts receivable and accounts payable by project
  • Create monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports by project; and maintaining records.
  • Identify and highlight issues related to budget performance against actual expenditures.
  • Complete interim and final budget updates for federally- and philanthropically-funded grants, using templates and reporting periods determined by funding partners.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable.
• Research and interpret data to help inform accounting and financial inquiries.
• Handle period, monthly, and annual closings.
• Reconcile monthly bank statements.
• Record and pay employee expense reports and vendor invoices.
• Manage balance sheets and profit/loss statements.
• Manage cash flow and organizational reserves to meet anticipated contractual obligations.
• Comply with financial policies and regulations.
• Administer semi-monthly payroll for 10 employees including reconciling PTO balances, funding retirement plan, ensuring staff time is allocated to correct project codes.
• Manage the process and distribution of annual 1099s.
• Reconcile W-2s to quarterly taxes and financial statements.
• Coordinate and support the annual audit in collaboration with our audit firm.
• Support the NCHEMS president and board of the State Higher Education Policy Center (SHEPC), the NCHEMS office space that is jointly owned with two other nonprofits. The NCHEMS accountant reviews SHEPC financials that are produced by a 3rd party property management company.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and at least three years of experience in a similar role.
• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge and experience using QuickBooks.
• Experience with general ledger functions.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.
• Professional maturity to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost level of responsibility.
• Knowledge and awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion related to the organization’s work with external partners and to the organization’s internal work environment.
• Preference given to candidates with:
  • a CPA or CMA
  • prior experience working with a PEO.
  • prior experience working in a non-profit organization

Benefits and Anticipated Salary Range

The salary range for this full-time position is $70,000 – $85,000.

NCHEMS offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings account, commuter benefits, retirement benefits, life and disability insurance, and paid time off.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume and apply here.

The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all facets of the organization’s work.