Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst

Widener University invites a Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst to join the Administration and Finance division in Chester, PA on a hybrid schedule. The role centers on precise financial reporting, ongoing process improvements, and insightful analysis to support strategic decisions and strengthen financial stewardship across campus. Collaboration with departments such as Advancement, Bursar, Human Resources, and Financial Aid helps align financial operations with the university’s mission and goals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and monitor financial accounting and reporting processes, policies and systems.
• Continuously focus 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.
• Be a key member of the financial close process.
• Prepare, review, and analyze reporting and trend analysis.
• Identify and document 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.
• Work closely with other departments across campus including but not limited to Advancement, Bursar, Human Resources and Financial Aid.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience in higher education or non-profit accounting.
• Working knowledge of Ellucian Colleague.
• Certified Public Accountant.

Technologies

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Ellucian Colleague

Physical requirements and/or unusual hours

May require periodic overtime as needed (quarterly and year-end closings, etc.).