Accountant - Federal Treasury Management

Hawai‘i Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the Hawaiian language in all our institutional materials. This includes the appropriate use of diacritical marks such as the ‘okina and kahako. Unfortunately, at times external vendors and other third\-party technology integrations do not support the use of these characters. Mahalo for your understanding. Description --------------- Job Summary: This position is a member of the HPU Business Office \- Cash, Payables and Federal Treasury Management team responsible for maintaining accounting and financial compliance of the university's Federal Student Aid. The position’s duties center on monitoring the effectiveness of the university's financial internal controls over financial aid refunds and employee waivers; reviewing the Financial Aid Office’s operations with respect to Business Office policies and procedures; evaluating efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with internal financial policies and procedures; reconciling and overseeing all internal and external financial systems related to student financial aid; and advising and training staff with respect to regulatory requirements and compliance. This position also assists the area’s Manager with interim and fiscal year\-end closing and preparation of various work papers for the annual audit. Perform complex accounting analyses and produce ad hoc reports to assist management in the decision\-making process relating to financial aid, as assigned. Location: This position will be based out of our Waterfront Plaza campus, in downtown Honolulu. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience or an Associate’s degree and four years of related experience. Two years of accounting or finance experience and/or equivalent post\-secondary coursework in accounting or finance. Two (2\) years of experience with computerized accounting programs. Experience utilizing Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams or comparable software. Two (2\) years of experience working directly with students and/or customers to provide customer service. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Desired Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or a related field, Knowledge of and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as they relate to financial aid accounting. CPA license or CMA certification. Three Knowledge of the principles and practices of financial aid accounting and/or administration. Experience utilizing Ellucian (Banner) software. Experience in the higher education and/or nonprofit sector. Knowledge of the principles and practices of data and account reconciliation; experience independently preparing and/or reviewing reconciliations for accuracy. Ability to work effectively as a part of a remote/hybrid team. Ability to prioritize and organize work independently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to follow up to pursue needed information and solutions. Other Qualifications: Good interpersonal and communication skills, good record keeping, and ability to work in team environment while handling multiple tasks. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance is not available for this position. Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU’s winter break, if necessary. Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy. Able to work all shifts and extended hours. Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills. Key Responsibilities: 1\. Federal Funds Administration – 60% Oversee the financial administration of campus\-based programs. Reconcile all grant programs (Pell, ACG, SMART, SEOG, STATE); FFELP and Direct Loan programs; all campus\-based programs; all scholarship (institutional; state; endowed; and miscellaneous) programs; federal and state work\-study programs. Reconcile all scholarship programs, including student loans. Reconcile monthly to ECSI system. Monitor Financial Aid programs for compliance with regulatory agencies, such as the "Blue Book". Understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, and procedures concerning financial aid programs. Review all financial aid refunds posted. Monitor employee waiver program. Responsible for drawdown reconciliation on financial aid programs in compliance with regulatory agencies. Monitor grant and loan accounts between the Financial Aid Office, the Business Office, and Federal Department of Education Common Origination and Disbursement Center. Assist in the monitoring and reconciliation of all other grants, as assigned. Assist with the FISAP and AOR reports. Performs the review and management of the 240\+ Days process for return of uncashed financial aid checks. Continuing education with respect to current financial aid regulations and overall financial aid process. Critically review financial aid data and resolve discrepancies. Ensure timely bank accounts reconciliations, including BOH\-Perkins \& Nursing Loans. Prepares monthly closing journal entries for interest income, bank charges, etc. for applicable financial aid bank accounts. Prioritizes and manages reconciliation of general ledger accounts, as assigned. Coordinates and oversees the internal and external audit of the University's accounting records and financial statements, as assigned. Manages month end closings and assists with fiscal year end closing and audit schedules, as assigned. Assists in any research of discrepancies for transactions performed by AP, AR, Collections, and Payroll. Participate in Ellucian (Banner) Finance module software testing, evaluation, and process improvements. 2\. Administrative Support – 25% Provides leadership to the Student Account team. Participates in developing, implementing and evaluating plans, work processes, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards. Create and implement changes to work assignments among staff to meet operational needs, maximize efficiency and productivity, and manage customer service demands. Review periodic reports submitted by subordinates to monitor activities, anticipate problems, and ensure accurate recording of transactions in HPU’s accounting system. Jointly work with Controller/Assistant Controller and staff to analyze and resolve complex or difficult problems surfaced by co\-workers, students, or faculty members. Assist and provide Ellucian (Banner) assistance as required. Recommend changes to policies, procedures, and/or forms to Management when needed. 3\. Budgeting – 10% Assists in the review and preparation of budget estimates as required. Provides financial information to other departments and assists in resolving questions and issues regarding actual revenue and/or expenditure data 4\. General Office Support – 5% Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, General Ledger/Financial Reporting. This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time. Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre\-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact hr@hpu.edu to request assistance. Hawai'i Pacific University is a learning community where staff, faculty, and more than 5,000 students come together from around the world to learn and work in a spirit of caring, honesty, freedom, and 'ohana (family). Cooperation, communication, and collegiality are the foundation of our community. We fulfill the responsibilities of our educational mission through mutual trust and respect, innovation and involvement, expertise, and intellectual fellowship. We offer all members of our community the opportunity to excel, including resources and rewards commensurate with individual contributions and potential. As a team, we are committed to serving our local and global communities and embrace our values of aloha, pono, and kuleana. We seek talented and energetic people who thrive on challenge and innovation in supporting the mission and values of our university. HPU offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. For student employment, please visit Career Development Center. Why consider a career with HPU? Here are some of the benefits of employment . . . Time Off A generous schedule that recognizes 15 holidays annually, plus winter break days off between Christmas and New Year's. Eligible employees also receive vacation, sick and other types of paid leave. Tuition Waiver Full time employees and spouse/dependent children pursuing a higher education degree at HPU may apply for a tuition waiver. Health and WellnessComprehensive health insurance, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program and wellness program. Retirement Plan Eligible employees can start saving for the future and enroll in the Hawai'i Pacific University 403(b) retirement plan upon hire. Discounts Discounts for products and services including airlines, rental car, hotels, theme parks, attractions, gift cards, restaurants, and more.