Chapman University · 15 hours ago
Sr Staff Accountant
Orange, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$80K/yr - $95K/yr
3+ years expChapman University is seeking a Sr. Staff Accountant to support the accounting and financial management of payroll-related expenses. This role involves preparing journal entries, reconciling general ledger accounts, and ensuring compliance with payroll regulations while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
Higher EducationNon ProfitSTEM EducationUniversities
Hiring Manager
Cindy Nelson
Responsibilities
Run distribution and commitment accounting processes in PeopleSoft HCM. Prepare and submit journal entries related to payroll transactions for upload to PeopleSoft Finance, adhering to institutional accounting policies
Reconcile payroll-related accounts in the general ledger (G/L), including cash accounts, tax liability accounts, payroll expense accounts, and accrued wages. Identify and resolve discrepancies promptly through collaboration with the Director of Payroll
Monitor payroll expenses and ensure proper allocation and classification in the general ledger
Enter and maintain department budget table (DBT) information within PeopleSoft to align with department requests regarding payroll expense
Monitor payroll-related DBT adjustments, validating that changes occur as expected
Run retro and direct retro processes in PeopleSoft and verify backup matches changes to be processed
Prepare manual cost transfers for uploading when delivered retro processes are not appropriate
Regularly monitor the Federal Work-Study (FWS) audit report and update Department Budget Table appointments and Salary Plan in PeopleSoft HCM accordingly
Ensure (FWS) payroll expenses comply with applicable regulations and institutional policies. Collaborate with HR Student Employment to resolve job data discrepancies related to FWS setup
Prepare and submit required compliance reporting for Federal Work Study and other payroll-related activities
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when working with payroll data
Assist the Director of Payroll with fiscal year-end close processes, including researching payroll expense entries and providing backup documentation as needed
Provide input for annual performance reviews for payroll staff, offering feedback and contributing to goal setting for professional development
Assist with internal and external audits as necessary, providing required documentation and responding to auditor inquiries
Send Glacier invitations to international individuals subject to federal tax reporting requirements and follow up on unreceived Glacier reports
Review Glacier reports, answer recipient questions regarding the results, and update records
Collaborate with Payroll and Accounting staff to ensure federal tax compliance for international recipients and appropriate treatment in the general ledger
Partner with Payroll, Human Resources, Financial Aid, and other departments to ensure payroll-related accounting processes align with institutional policies
Proactively identify opportunities to improve payroll accounting workflows and ensure best practices are followed
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources or related field or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience
3-4 years of professional experience in payroll accounting, general accounting, or a similar role, preferably in higher education or a large organization. Strong knowledge of general accounting principles, including journal entries and reconciliations
Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft) and accounting software
Proven track record of maintaining confidentiality when working with sensitive or restricted information
Exceptional attention to detail and analytical skills. Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across departments
Familiarity with fund accounting or accounting in higher education
Experience with Federal Work-Study compliance, tracking, and reporting
Familiarity with payroll taxes, including tax treaty benefits for international workers
Company
Chapman University
Chapman University is an education institution providing educational services.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$16.1MKey Investors
Bank of AmericaSimons FoundationJohn Templeton Foundation
2025-02-11Grant· $0.06M
2019-11-07Grant· $9M
2019-03-05Grant· $7.04M
Leadership Team
Matt Parlow
President
Recent News
2025-12-12
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