Accounting Specialist presso Shaw University

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Vice President of Financial Operations/CFO. The Accounting Specialist will provide
comprehensive financial and compliance support to strengthen Shaw University’s fiscal operations. This role
spans Student Accounts, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Accounting, Grant Accounting, Budgeting, and
Procurement, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of financial transactions. The Accounting
Specialist will play a critical role in reducing audit risks, supporting institutional efficiency, and building sustainable
financial practices that align with federal regulations and Shaw University’s strategic priorities.

Essential Job Functions:
Student Accounts
• Reconcile student billing, financial aid disbursements, and refunds.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of account adjustments to reduce student financial holds and complaints.
Accounts Payable
• Review, process, and reconcile vendor invoices and payments.
• Monitor disbursements to ensure compliance with institutional and federal procurement policies.
Payroll
• Assist in processing and reconciling payroll expenditures.
• Ensure payroll transactions are accurately coded to appropriate funding sources, including Title III.
Accounting & Grant Accounting
• Provide support as needed with monthly reconciliations of institutional and grant accounts.
• Review and certify all expenditures for compliance.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports for submission to the U.S.
  Department of Education and internal leadership.
• Support drawdowns, journal entries, and financial reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds.
Budgeting
• Collaborate with every department and project directors to ensure proper allocation and use of funds.
• Provide variance analysis, forecast support, and corrective action recommendations.
Procurement
• Monitor purchasing transactions for compliance with Title III and institutional policies.
• Assist in streamlining procurement workflows and improving efficiency of vendor management.
Compliance & Institutional Capacity
• Maintain organized documentation for audits, site visits, and monitoring reviews.
• Contribute to the development of financial and administrative procedures manuals.
• Provide training and guidance to program directors and staff on allowable costs and compliance.
Other
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
None

Minimum Job Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field OR equivalent professional
  experience.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of accounting/finance experience (preferably in higher education or nonprofit
  sector).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit and fund accounting principles.
• Experience with financial/ERP systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Banner, PeopleSoft, Workday, or similar).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Education and/or Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of accounting experience, preferably in higher education or federally funded
  programs.
• Knowledge of GAAP
• Experience in student accounts, accounts payable, payroll, and grant accounting.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and reporting skills.
• Proficiency with financial management and ERP systems

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations
None required

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)
Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision,
commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written
presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization,
decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects
simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands
Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying.
The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.