Senior Accountant

Westminster University

Senior Accountant

Position Type: Full-Time, Benefited

Work Location: Westminster University Campus

1840 South 1300 East

Salt Lake City, UT 84105

About Westminster University:

Westminster University is a private, independent, and comprehensive university in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more than 150 years, Westminster has combined academic excellence with a strong sense of community and purpose. Located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, the university offers the energy of a growing metropolitan area alongside world-class outdoor recreation just minutes from campus.

Our campus is collaborative, student-centered, and grounded in academic integrity. Faculty and staff work closely with students to foster critical thinking, career readiness, and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. Employees are supported in their professional growth and encouraged to bring forward ideas that strengthen the university.

Westminster is committed to creating a workplace where people thrive - offering flexibility, generous time off, and a culture that values balance, inclusion, and innovation.

Position Summary:

The Senior Accountant acts as a member of the finance team, which holds ownership over the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable (student accounts), payroll, financial reporting, departmental and entity-wide budget process, internal controls, and compliance. The Senior Accountant will oversee processes and reporting for grants and internal accounting functions related to select general ledger funds, accounts payable, and University assets.

Position Responsibilities:

Grant and Restricted Funds Accounting and Compliance

The incumbent will provide comprehensive accounting and financial services across the full lifecycle of sponsored awards, from pre-award budget development through to final financial reporting and audit closeout. Working in close collaboration with academic departments, the Development office, and external funding bodies, the Grants and Contracts Accountant will ensure that all financial activity is conducted in accordance with Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), sponsor terms and conditions, and Westminster University's financial policies and procedures.

• Provide professional-level accounting, budgetary, and financial support for federal, state, local, and private grants and contracts awarded to the University.
• Ensure fiscal compliance with all internal and external rules and regulations.
• Prepare and approve all invoices and financial reports in accordance with grant/contract requirements.
• Provide financial oversight and guidance for various academic and business operations, activities, and program accounts.
• Assist principal investigators with grant principles, grant-specific budgeting, and cost allowance issues.
• Assist with difficult purchasing decisions.
• Perform risk analysis and monitor compliance with financial related policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and established internal controls.
• Work closely with grantor entities and with auditors to resolve queries and assist in resolving audit findings.
• Work closely with the Director of Sponsored Projects and Associate Provost for Research and Creative Activities regarding the completion of requested pre-award and all post-award grant and contract financial related tasks and issues.
• Maintain regular meetings with grant principles to review current data and reporting requirements.
• Perform monthly/quarterly processes for indirect cost recording and time and effort reporting.
• Prepare journal entries, reallocation of transactions between accounts, and process billings.
• Monitor, provide support, and reconcile restricted fund accounting to ensure funds are used in accordance with donor intent.

Fixed Assets

• Oversee all fixed assets including the library and fine art collections.
• Maintain the asset database and other schedules with additions, disposals, and depreciation transactions.
• Prepare monthly journal entries and annual reporting for the audit and other reporting.
• Coordinate with departments across campus to ensure compliance with the capitalization policy and disposal of assets.

Other Financial Duties

• Monitor interdepartmental transactions and internal organizations to ensure proper accounting and financial reporting.
• Review of expenses and check registers to ensure proper accounting classification and controls, as well as identify payments to be reclassified as assets.
• Assist with gathering and reporting data for the annual audit and tax documents.
• Prepare reporting for internal activity with the Spirit Store and dining service.
• Review and assist with activity in the agency funds, including Associated Students of Westminster and the Westminster Woman's Board accounts.
• Oversee the stale dated check process as the contact with the State of Utah.
• Review and adjust restricted fund accounts.

Diversity and Inclusion

Promote an inclusive Westminster through demonstration of the commitments include in the Westminster University Diversity Statement. Participate in developmental activities to increase understanding and awareness of issues related diversity, equity and inclusion both individually and as related to our filed of work, profession or discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required and Master's degree preferred, and related accounting experience and/or training.
• Minimum of four years related experience.
• Advanced Excel spreadsheet and database skills.
• High level of analytical and critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Family and Medical Leave
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 5.5% employer contribution
• Tuition Remission (after a qualifying period of employment)
• 18 Paid Holidays Annually
• Cell Phone Plan Discounts

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Westminster University is committed to a diversified workforce, equal opportunity, and nondiscrimination. To this end, Westminster prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment based on race or ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, disabilities, genetic information, status as a veteran, or any other category or classification protected by applicable federal, state, or city laws.