Job Details

Senior Accountant

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R11745

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston's only women's undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all.

You're joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You'll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

As a member of the Controller's Office team, the Senior Accountant reports to the Controller and is responsible for maintaining and monitoring general ledger accounts primarily in the areas of gifts, investments, and grants. The Senior Accountant will work closely with colleagues in Advancement to ensure that gifts are being recorded on a timely and accurate basis and that they are being utilized in line with donor intentions. The Senior Accountant will work closely with investment advisors and fund managers to ensure that the University's investments, with a focus on the endowment, are appropriately valued and accounted for. Other accounting areas may be assigned as needed.

For the annual audit, this position will assist the Controller in preparing financial statements and footnotes and monitoring the status of auditor schedules and backup requests related to the accounting areas specified above.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Reconcile the University's endowment funds on a monthly basis. Track the value of the University's endowment funds using Fundriver on an ongoing basis;
  
• Calculate and record distributions on an annual basis to support the University's philanthropic use of these funds;
  
• Work closely with colleagues in Advancement, Student Financial Services, the Provost office and others to provide insight into gift fund balances and activity to date;
  
• Monitor and account for the university's releases from restriction, ensuring that donor funds are being spent in accordance with donor intentions;
  
• Support the AVP Finance in data gathering and analysis of endowed funds to facilitate preparation of reports and communications to donors, senior leaders and Trustees;
  
• Monitor outstanding receivable and payable balances for the university's grants portfolio and process drawdowns as needed;
  
• Contribute towards the development of processes related to investments, grants, and gifts;
  
• Balance assigned general ledger accounts; verify, allocate, post, reconcile transactions; research and resolve discrepancies;
  
• Responsible for preparing reconciling entries and year-end closing entries;
  
• Assist Controller with preparation and coordination for annual external audit, compile and provide data for auditors;
  
• Prepare ad-hoc reporting and analysis as required.
  

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree Required, preferably in a related field.
  
• A minimum of three years of experience in accounting in a non-profit environment. Experience with gift accounting is preferred. Prior experience using automated systems, spreadsheet applications, and word processing software is required.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Workday experience preferred;
  
• Higher education experience is preferred;
  
• Prior experience in Public Accounting and CPA license, while not required, strongly preferred;
  

COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills;
  
• Ability to work with limited supervision and work effectively to resolve problems under tight time constraints;
  
• Commitment to Inclusive Excellence and Social Justice;
  
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to accomplish expected tasks under minimal supervision ;
  
• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure under pressure;
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This is a full time, 40 hours a week position ;
  
• This position has hybrid eligibility, with up to 2-3 days remote;
  
• Normal office setting;
  
• Frequent sitting for long periods; occasional kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking and standing; occasional reaching above and below desk level;
  
• Frequent lifting/carrying of papers, files, equipment, and material weighing up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 25 pounds;
  
• Frequent fine manipulation sufficient to operate a computer keyboard; frequent grasping to handle individual papers, write and take notes, and feel individual objects;
  

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process. The hourly or annual salary range for this position is:

S09$69,400.00 - $111,300.00

This is benefits eligible position.

Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Senior-Accountant_R11745-2

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons University is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.