Widener University is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst to play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s financial integrity and operational excellence. This position is central to ensuring accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting that supports strategic decision-making at all levels of leadership.
As a trusted partner within the Division of Administration and Finance, the Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst will not only manage core accounting functions but also drive process improvements, enhance compliance, and deliver insightful financial analysis. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments such as Advancement, Bursar, Human Resources, and Financial Aid.
This is an opportunity to contribute to the University’s mission by strengthening financial stewardship, optimizing reporting systems, and providing actionable recommendations that shape the institution’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Procurement
- Maintain and monitor financial accounting and reporting processes, policies and systems. Continuously focuses on process improvements and simplification of financial accounting and reporting processes.
- Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures.
- Document and maintain complete and accurate supporting information for all financial transactions.
- Prepare and review journal entries to ensure accuracy and adequacy.
- Monitor and assist with the implementation of new accounting standards applicable to the University.
- Demonstrate thorough understanding of professional accounting and financial practices.
- Advance processes for monthly and other routine reporting to simplify report preparation and prioritize analysis.
- Key member of financial close process. Prepares, reviews, and analyzes reporting and trend analysis. Identifies and documents fluctuations in University financials.
- Oversee accounting for restricted funds including establishing cost centers in Colleague, evaluating overages and external reporting as needed.
- Reconcile, review, and analyze financial statement line items as assigned.
- Works closely with other departments across campus including but not limited to Advancement, Bursar, Human Resources and Financial Aid.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Controller and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field.
- Three (3+) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Highly proficient with Microsoft Excel including advanced functions.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate to senior leadership.
Preferred:
- Experience in higher education or non-profit accounting.
- Working knowledge of Ellucian Colleague.
- Certified Public Accountant.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- May require periodic overtime as needed (quarterly and year-end closings, etc.).
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
