Vanderbilt University Jobs

Serve as the business and financial accountant for the American Economic Association - an organization affiliated with Vanderbilt University. Perform professional duties related to all areas of the accounting functions including revenues, disbursements, budgeting, payroll, investments and accounting systems. Requires independent, financial analysis as well as decision making and knowledge of accounting principles and guidelines. Work closely with Director of Finance and Accounting Assistant to accomplish

all aspects of the financial responsibilities of the AEA.

About the Work Unit:

The American Economic Association (AEA) is an educational organization whose purpose is to encourage economic research, especially the historical and statistical study of the actual conditions of industrial life, to issue publications on economics subjects and to encourage freedom of economics discussion. Oversight of the day-to-day operations of the AEA is provided within this work unit. The membership, subscriptions, annual meeting, committee coordination, Job Offering for Economists, accounting and management of operations occurs within the work unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this current position include, but are not limited to the following:

• General Ledger – Learn the chart of accounts for the AEA for the input of the financial transactions into a comprehensive and relevant format, maintain Intacct accounting software with assistance of third party vendor, prepare, review and record monthly journal entries in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, develop and maintain allocation guidelines for the different business functions within the association, prepare and record the allocations to the business functions on a quarterly basis, prepare the financial statements at the close of each period. Analyze financial results compared to prior periods and approved budget and review and discuss results with the Director of Finance. Identify variances of financial results and analyze causes. Prepare, analyze & review reconciliations for each general ledger account. • Accounts Payable - Review vendor documents for completeness, accuracy, and mathematical errors, verify and code vendor documents for processing of payments by Accounting Assistant, answer vendor questions and requests, analyze cash needs, manage, and review the preparation of 1099s each calendar year.

• Accounts Receivable – Assists with the billing and collection of Accounts Receivable as performed by the Accounting Assistant. Analyzes the balances and collection of Accounts Receivable and discusses any discrepancies with Accounting Assistant.

• Payroll – As needed, assist with the processing of payroll for AEA employees on a monthly basis through a third party vendor, obtain time sheets and reconcile to the payroll calendar, process payroll changes and answer payroll related questions from employees, oversee preparation and mailing of W-2s, review and maintain health benefits for employees, oversee Cobra elections as needed, review remittance of TIAA contributions for employees each month, assist in the audit of the 403(b) audit, maintain employee files, remit and maintain Health Savings Account details for employees, prepare and coordinate the Worker's Compensation audit each year.

• Taxes - Gather, prepare and submit financial and organization information for external tax accountants for the federal and state tax returns, perform detailed review and obtain understanding of returns before filing, regularly review and update state tax requirements due to the multiple states in which the AEA has employees, prepare and submit local and state returns as needed, follow up on federal, state and local tax notices as received.

• Audit - Prepare and submit all required information to the external auditors, assist and communicate with the auditors throughout the exam, prepare audit report and related footnotes for external financial statements, participate and communicate in the annual Audit committee call with auditors and members of committee.

• Budget – Assist with preparation of the annual budget for the AEA, consult and review budget with the Director of Finance, prepare and compile the Budget and Finance committee binder semi-annually for the meetings.

• ASSA - Review and analyze ASSA expenses for inclusion in the AEA financials, review and process payment of ASSA expenses.

• General – due to the size and nature of the AEA, this role requires flexibility and willingness to take on other responsibilities and tasks as they arise.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position reports directly to the Director of Finance & Administration; it does not have supervisory responsibility.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education required. Accounting Degree preferred. 1 to 4 years of experience preferred but not required.

Qualifications:

• Meticulous attention to detail and organization

• Capacity to work independently, initiating and seeking tasks with minimal supervision

• Aptitude to prioritize work, multi-task, and meet deadlines in a team-centered, time-constrained environment

• Strong knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Power Point

• Excellent interpersonal written & oral communications skills

• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects

• Ability to work both as a member of a team & independently

About Vanderbilt University:

Vanderbilt is a renowned private institution founded in 1873 and located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. The university’s students, faculty, and frequently cite Nashville and the surrounding area as one of the many perks of being a part of Vanderbilt community. Vanderbilt University is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt was recently ranked #1 in the Princeton Review (https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2017/08/01/vanderbilt-has-happiest-students-again-according-to-2017-princeton-review-best-colleges-rankings/) among 382 top colleges and universities for “happiest students” - as well as #2 for “best quality of life” and “great financial aid,” #5 for “best run colleges” and “beautiful campus,” and #6 for both being in a “college city that students love” and having “great campus/city relations.”

Vanderbilt Benefits:

In addition to offering a lively community that encourages learning and celebrates diversity, Vanderbilt University offers a competitive, flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, disability insurance, paid time off, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Vanderbilt offers tuition assistance to employees, spouses and dependent children. Also, after five years of service, Vanderbilt will pay up to 55% of the tuition for up to three dependent

children to earn a bachelor's degree. Learn more about Vanderbilt's benefits at VU Benefits Overview. (https://hr.vanderbilt.edu/benefits/index.php)

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.