Senior Accountant
Salary: $73,165.00 - $121,931.00 Annually
Location: Moraga, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600023
Division: Business Affairs Division
Department: Controller's Office Department
Closing: 4/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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About Saint Mary's College
Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's College of California is a residential institution in the Moraga Valley, 20 miles east of San Francisco, rooted in the Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions. Enrolling more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the College integrates liberal and professional education within a mission shaped by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Known for academic excellence, innovation, and responsiveness, Saint Mary's fosters shared inquiry, meaningful student engagement, and a strong commitment to diversity, leadership, and service.
Why Join Saint Mary's College?
At Saint Mary's, your work has visible impact. As a close-knit residential college, employees work collaboratively across departments-your ideas, leadership, and contributions directly shape the student experience and the future direction of the institution. Colleagues partner across divisions, decisions are grounded in mission, and innovation is encouraged. If you are seeking a workplace where purpose, community, and professional growth intersect-and where your work truly matters-Saint Mary's offers that opportunity.
Job Title
Senior Accountant
Job Summary
The Senior Accountant is responsible for accounting functions, including in-depth account analysis, audit support, and application of key accounting standards in a dynamic and challenging environment. The Senior Accountant collaborates with the Controller and finance team to enhance effective, efficient and reliable accounting practices and results.
The Senior Accountant serves as a senior-level accounting professional responsible for leading complex accounting functions, ensuring compliance with institutional financial policies, and supporting strategic financial operations. The position provides technical accounting expertise, oversees critical financial reporting processes, and partners with leadership to strengthen financial controls, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Essential Responsibilities

• Perform detailed account reconciliations and analysis, investigating and resolving any discrepancies. Ensuring all entries are entered in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other relevant regulations and have a general understanding of accounting standards including, ASC 606 and ASC842
• Perform close activities related to month-end, and year-end close deadline and accounting activities related to monthly reconciliation and analysis
• Contribute to the annual audit process by preparing audit schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and coordinating with external auditors
• Identify and assist with process improvements for balance sheet account reconciliations
• Work on Ad Hoc projects

• Lead and coordinate key components of the month-end and year-end financial close processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established deadlines.
• Provide advanced technical accounting guidance related to GAAP, emerging accounting standards, and complex financial transactions.
• Serve as a primary liaison for assigned audit areas during annual financial and compliance audits, coordinating documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Oversee and review complex balance sheet reconciliations and financial analysis to ensure accuracy and compliance with institutional policies and accounting standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal accounting controls, policies, and procedures to strengthen financial reporting and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Controller and campus departments to interpret financial data, resolve accounting issues, and ensure accurate financial reporting across the institution.
• Provide functional leadership and mentorship to accounting staff, reviewing work for accuracy and providing guidance on accounting procedures and best practices.
• Support institutional financial reporting initiatives, including preparation and analysis of financial statements and other regulatory or internal reporting requirements.
• Participate in financial system improvements, ERP enhancements, and accounting process automation initiatives designed to improve operational effectiveness.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field required. CPA or 150 credit CPA eligible.
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including experience with complex reconciliations, financial reporting, or audit coordination. Experience within higher education, nonprofit, or public accounting environments preferred.
Skills/Abilities:

• Strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Experience with Colleague or similar ERP system.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other accounting software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience evaluating and testing internal controls over financial reporting, specifically within a higher education environment preferred.
• Experience with using the FASB codification preferred.
• Experience with processes used to automate accounting processes preferred.
• Experience auditing not-for-profit colleges and universities, including familiarity with unique accounting standards and regulations applicable to the sector (e.g., FASB ASC 958) preferred.
• Familiarity with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS) and experience conducting audits in accordance with Yellow Book requirements preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data, interpret accounting standards, and communicate financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to lead complex accounting projects, coordinate cross-functional financial processes, and recommend improvements to financial operations.

Licenses & Certifications:
N/A
We will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.
Please apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/stmarys

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