New York, New York
Singapore, Singapore
London, United Kingdom
Posted: 15-Jun-23
Location: New York, New York
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 536858
- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: full time
- Salary Range: $75,000-$80,600
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director, Pension and Benefit Accounting and Reporting, the Senior Accountant is primarily focused on working with the Director to achieve the Pension team???s objective of managing the on-going accounting for/reporting on the University???s eight pension/post-retirement plans -a mix of defined contributions, deferred compensation and defined benefits plans- with combined assets greater than $8 billion. The incumbent also supports ad-hoc functions within the Fringe Benefits Operations and Forecasting team. The role works closely with others in the Controller???s Office, CUHR Benefits, and Student and Administrative Services, as well as both internal and external auditors, on all aspects of benefits accounting for the University.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assists in the planning and coordination of the annual audits, preparation of the financial statements of all pension plans and all post-retirement plans that require audits;
- Assists in the preparation of supporting documentation for audited financial statements including year-end audit schedules;
- Assists in the preparation of draft of FAS 158 disclosure of the University???s financial statements;
- Researches new accounting rules and updates and make recommendations as to applicability and implementation;
- Interfaces with internal and external auditors and senior management on all aspects of pension accounting and reporting;
- Prepares asset activity reports for all plans on a monthly basis;
- Tracks, analyzes, project and record all post-retirement expenses;
- Prepares management reports on historical, current and projected post-retirement benefit expenditures;
- Manages Defined Contribution reconciliations between the Benefits and Payroll departments, and between the Benefits department and the three carriers at a summary level;
- Prepares semi-annual reconciliation reports at a detailed participant level for three Defined Contribution carriers;
- Maintains clear and effective communications with benefit carriers, senior management and auditors;
- Provides instructions to the Plan Trustee for benefit reimbursements for Defined Benefit plans;
- Arranges contributions to the Defined Benefit plans as required under ERISA;
- Manages the clearing of accounts to ensure all entries post appropriately; prepare reconciliations of Columbia University Retirement Medical and Life Insurance (CURML) benefits plan activity with custodian bank carriers and ensure bank accounts are balanced;
- Records and reconciles fringe benefit accounting activity, including preparing accrual entries and performing quarter-end and year-end related activities;
- Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (preferably in accounting, finance or business administration) or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum of three years' related accounting experience required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Benefits accounting and/or public accounting experience strongly preferred.
- Experience in a large, complex academic or research environment a plus.
Other Requirements
Proficiency in Microsoft Office required, with a particular need for strong Excel skills to collect and analyze data, evaluate information, prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations.
Must be highly detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including active listening skills, plus the ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of University administrators, characterized by strong consensus building and relationship building skills, essential.
Must be a team player.
Must be able to negotiate issues and resolve problems.
In addition, the successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization, and a strong role model.
Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
