Senior Accountant

Job Summary

The Cleveland Institute of Music is seeking a Senior Account who plays a critical role in the financial management of the organization by ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining internal controls, supporting budgeting processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and funder requirements. This role requires a detail-oriented, analytical professional who is passionate about mission-driven work and thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment. There is potential for advancement to Accounting Manager after one year to two years. This position reports to the Director of Finance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end close.

Assist in preparing and reviewing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for internal and external stakeholders.

Determine proper account coding and classifications in recording financial transactions not captured by other team members, including but not limited to endowment activity, investment activity, payroll activity, fixed assets, deferrals and accruals, and debt-related transactions.

Review and maintain reconciliations and supporting schedules for bank accounts, prepaids, fixed assets, accounts receivables, investments, and other reconciliations and supporting schedules as necessary.

Works with the Development team to track and report on restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring compliance with donor and grant requirements.

Review and approve journal entries prepared by other team members and approve proper account coding

Support the annual financial audit, including preparation of audit schedules and liaising with external auditors.

Assist in issuing 1099’s, 1096, 1042-S & 1042 at year-end and preparation of Unclaimed Funds reporting.

Help maintain and make recommendations to improve internal control procedures.

Identify and make recommendations to implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Works with department heads to monitor actual performance against budget and prepare variance analyses.

Serve as backup for accounts receivable and payable staff when they are out of the office.

Provides additional support and performs special projects as requested.

Other duties or projects as assigned.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or related field.

Minimum of 2-4 years accounting experience.

Prior experience with general ledger systems, experience with Business Central a plus.

Proficiency with computer applications, (Excel, Power BI).

Knowledge of GAAP and FASB, especially as it relates to the higher education environment and best practices in the field of accounting.

Highly organized, accurate, self-motivated, and detail oriented.

Strong communications skills: able to interact well with all levels of administration, faculty, students and vendors.

Ability to manage competing priorities and communicate effectively.

Job Competencies

Technical Skills - Maintains current understanding of technical processes/equipment, uses technology to increase performance/productivity.

Problem Solving - Strives to understand contributing factors, works to resolves complex situations.

Curiosity – Willingness to deeply investigate and ask questions, desire to learn and synthesize new knowledge, keen to research and find solutions by interrogating one’s knowledge base and seeking additional advise and input, builds networks of information, approaches interactions and challenges by engaging through a lens of discovery and broadmindedness.

Teamwork - Accountable to team, works to meet established deliverables, appreciates view of team members, respectful.

Productivity – Manges workload, works efficiently, meets goals and objectives

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Personal Attributes

Self-motivated - Demonstrates initiative and drive to achieve goals independently, maintaining high productivity and commitment without needing constant supervision.

Strong work ethic - Displays dedication, reliability, and discipline in completing tasks, consistently delivering high-quality results.

Attention to detail - Possesses a meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy and precision in every task and project.

Highest ethical standards - Upholds integrity and professionalism in all actions and decisions, fostering trust and accountability in the workplace.

Strong communication skills - Excels in expressing ideas and information clearly, both verbally and in writing, while actively listening and engaging with others.

Team player - Collaborates effectively with colleagues, contributing to a positive work environment and shared success by being supportive and dependable.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

This is a full-time position for 35 hours per week with occasional extended hours during peak periods, such as month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closings.

Positions spend majority of their time in an office setting, sitting, with heavy computer usage. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching to access files or office equipment and lift or move items weighing up to 15–20 pounds.

Direct reports

N/A