Job Description

About Sacred Heart University

As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computing & Engineering; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change in their own lives, professions, and communities. Sacred Heart University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student success, career outcomes, and campus experience. The Princeton Review recognized SHU in its Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2027 Edition, while additional national recognitions highlight the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; Division I athletics; and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here

To apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Accountant II supports accounting operations across multiple functional areas by assisting with the accurate recording, reconciliation, analysis, and reporting of financial activity. This role helps ensure the integrity of the general ledger and supports timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with established policies and procedures. The position requires solid analytical skills to review account activity, evaluate trends and variances, support estimates and accruals, and identify issues requiring further research or resolution. Additionally, the Accountant II assists in monitoring and reporting the University’s actual results, preparing ad hoc financial analysis, and responding to internal and external financial requests.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Account Reconciliations and Analysis: Own assigned balance sheet and general ledger account reconciliations, including cash and cash equivalents, accrued liabilities, allowance for doubtful accounts, and other assigned accounts. Analyze account activity, research reconciling items, identify trends or unusual transactions, and coordinate with internal departments to resolve discrepancies timely and accurately.
• Journal Entries and Month-End Close Support: Prepare, review, and post routine and recurring journal entries, including accruals, reversals, expense allocations, revenue activity, and other supporting adjustments. Ensure entries are properly supported, accurately classified, and recorded in accordance with accounting policies and month-end close timelines.
• Variance Analysis and Financial Review: Perform account-level variance analysis to support the accuracy and completeness of financial records. Review fluctuations against expectations, investigate discrepancies, summarize findings, and escalate items requiring further research or corrective action.
• General Ledger Maintenance and Governance: Support general ledger governance through account setup, chart of accounts maintenance, account review, and validation of appropriate account usage. Assist in maintaining consistent accounting structure and supporting documentation across departments and financial processes.
• Compliance and Internal Controls: Follow and reinforce established accounting procedures and internal controls to support accurate, complete, and compliant financial reporting. Assist with approval reviews, compliance checks, documentation requests, and process improvements that strengthen accountability and reduce financial risk.
• Audit and External Reporting Support: Support the annual audit process by preparing schedules, gathering supporting documentation, responding to audit inquiries, and researching assigned items. Assist with external reporting requests and other compliance-related reviews as needed.
• NCAA and Agreed-Upon Procedures Support: Assist with the annual NCAA agreed-upon procedures process by compiling supporting documentation, reviewing assigned financial activity, responding to requests, and coordinating follow-up items to ensure timely completion
• Customer Service and Cross-Functional Support: Monitor and respond to inbound requests from University departments related to journal entries, account reconciliations, general ledger activity, and other accounting matters. Partner with internal stakeholders to research issues, provide guidance, and ensure timely and accurate resolution in accordance with Business Office procedures.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other accounting, analysis, reporting, and special project duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Characteristics

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• CPA or MBA desired, not required.
• Minimum 2-3 years of related experience.
• Advanced working knowledge with Excel.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of accounting software programming desired.
• Ability to learn new responsibilities, to work independently and as part of a team.

Pre-Employment Requirements

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.