Staff Accountant

We are looking for a Staff Accountant to support the finance team at a higher education organization in Columbia, South Carolina. This Long-term Contract opportunity is ideal for an accounting specialist who can step in quickly, work fully onsite, and provide dependable support across core general ledger activities, reconciliations, and audit preparation. The person in this role will help maintain accurate financial records while assisting the team through a busy reporting and audit period.

Responsibilities:
• Manage day-to-day general ledger accounting activities and ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and on time.
• Prepare month-end account reconciliations, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies to support accurate reporting.
• Create and post journal entries related to routine accounting operations and closing activities.
• Assist with audit readiness by organizing schedules, supporting documentation, and responding to requests during preliminary and fieldwork phases.
• Perform bank reconciliations and review cash activity to confirm alignment between internal records and banking information.
• Contribute to month-end and year-end close processes by helping finalize balances and maintain reporting accuracy.
• Support tax-related accounting tasks, including work connected to corporate tax and sales tax matters, as needed.
• Provide accounting coverage for the team during a contract staffing gap and collaborate closely with internal finance leadership.
• Use financial systems and tools, including Jenzabar and payroll-related platforms, to research transactions and complete assigned accounting work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience in staff accounting with strong knowledge of general ledger processes and financial reconciliations.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare journal entries and support month-end close activities.
• Experience assisting with audits, including preparation of schedules and annual audited financial statement support.
• Working knowledge of bank reconciliations, account analysis, and variance investigation.
• Familiarity with corporate tax, sales tax, or related compliance support is preferred.
• Experience with Jenzabar or similar accounting systems is an advantage.
• Higher education industry experience is preferred but not required.

Compensation

$36.00-$42.00 Hourly

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