Tennessee State University Office of Accounting and Financial Reporting invites applications for the position of Senior Accountant.
The Senior Accountant supports the University's cash management activities, banking transactions, payment processes, and related accounting functions. This position monitors cash activity, supports liquidity needs, coordinates banking and payment activity, researches discrepancies, and helps ensure transactions are accurate, timely, properly documented, and aligned with internal control requirements.
This role works closely with university departments, banking partners, payroll, accounts payable, the Foundation, and General Accounting to support effective cash operations and accurate financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Cash Management
Monitor daily cash activity, account balances, cash inflows, cash outflows, and liquidity needs to support University operations.
Coordinate transfers between accounts, including University/Foundation activity, payroll-related transfers, LGIP activity, and Zero Balance Account funding.
Track activity to support cash visibility, timely recording, and appropriate funding of operational needs.
Payment Processing and Banking Activity
Prepare and process payment-related activity, including checks, ACH transactions, direct deposits, payment voids, returned transactions, payroll direct deposit advices, and payroll beneficiary payments.
Prepare and upload banking files in accordance with established procedures, approval workflows, and internal control requirements.
Serve as an operational contact for banking partners and internal departments regarding banking activity, deposits, payments, transfers, and related issues.
Accounting, Reconciliation Support, and Reporting
Prepare and record accounting entries in Banner, including bank activity, deposits, cash transactions, investments, debt, payroll-related activity, and other assigned transactions.
Support cash and bank reconciliation processes by researching outstanding items, resolving discrepancies, providing transaction support, and coordinating timely recording of related activity.
Support monthly close, year-end close, reconciliation reporting, cash status reporting, and financial statement preparation by providing related documentation and analysis.
Risk Monitoring, Compliance, and Internal Controls
Monitor payment activity for unusual transactions, duplicate payments, unauthorized ACH or wire activity, and other potential risks, escalating concerns as appropriate.
Generate reports to identify errors, exceptions, or out-of-balance conditions, and coordinate timely resolution of identified issues.
Manage assigned compliance processes, including unclaimed property activity, due diligence letters, escheatment support, and related inquiries.
Process Improvement and Team Support
Provide guidance to junior accounting staff and assist with questions, transaction research, and issue resolution.
Recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, documentation, and internal controls.
Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental goals, operational needs, and University financial management objectives.
Tennessee State University is committed to excellence and has been consistently listed in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Guide to America’s Best Colleges” for more than a decade. Founded in 1912, TSU is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant institution in Nashville, Tennessee. The university has been served by seven presidents, including Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, who is currently serving as our eighth president.TWO CAMPUSESOur Nashville home offers two locations—the 500-acre main campus nestles in a beautiful residential neighborhood along the Cumberland River, and the downtown Avon Williams campus sits near the center of Nashville’s business and government district.