Staff Accountant, Lancaster

Job Description

Job Description We are looking for an experienced Staff Accountant to support core accounting operations for a higher education organization in Lancaster, California. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting monthly and quarterly close activities, and delivering reliable analysis that helps guide financial decisions. The role also partners with internal teams to strengthen controls, support audits, and improve the effectiveness of day-to-day accounting processes.

Responsibilities:• Manage month-end and quarter-end close activities by preparing and recording journal entries for accruals, amortization, depreciation, banking activity, and other routine accounting transactions. • Complete reconciliations for bank accounts, fixed assets, and key balance sheet accounts, theninvestigate and resolve variances to maintain ledger accuracy.• Calculate institutional revenue and deferred tuition balances in accordance with applicable revenue recognition standards and established accounting policies. • Maintain lease-related accounting schedules and ensure financial treatment aligns with current reporting requirements. • Analyzefluctuations across income statement and balance sheet accounts, compare results to budget and prior periods, and document explanations for significant changes.• Process student-related billing entries and adjustments in the general ledger while reconciling accounts receivable activity between subledgers and the general ledger. • Prepare recurring billing and invoicing schedules, coordinate with administrative departments as needed, and help resolve discrepancies affecting student accounts.• Support quarterly and annual audit activities by organizing schedules, preparing documentation, and responding to requests from auditors and internal stakeholders. • Contribute to budgeting, strengthen close-process controls, and identify opportunities to improve workflows, automation, and accounting procedures.• Collaborate across departments and assist with special projects or additional accounting support as business needs evolve.• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. • At least 5 years of experience in general accounting, including ownership of full-cycle month-end close activities.• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, journal entries, account reconciliations, and internal control practices. • Experience applying U.S. GAAP in an accounting environment requiring strong attention to detail. • Advanced or intermediate Excel skills, including the ability to uselookups and pivot tables effectively.• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, solve problems, and maintain a high level of accuracy in detailed work. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and work effectively both independently and collaboratively. • Willingness to travel occasionally to campus locations as needed.