SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Number of Openings:           1

Institution:                           Cleveland State Community College

Department:                         Finance

Reports to:                           Manager of Accounting Services

Campus Location:                Cleveland, Tennessee

Salary Range:                       $TBD

Position Status:                     Exempt / Full-Time

Moving Allowance:                N/A

Cleveland State Community College is a comprehensive, two-year post-secondary institution, located in Cleveland, Tennessee. Cleveland State is committed to providing open access and quality education to all students. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Cleveland State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). At Cleveland State, our mission is to build strong minds, careers and communities through exceptional teaching and learning, workforce development and service. We wish to hire individuals with similar values who can help us accomplish those goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants: 

To be considered for a position at Cleveland State, you must complete an online application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated solely based on the information provided in your application. Any work experience not included will not be considered for meeting the minimum requirements or determining compensation for the position.

Please note the following: 

• Attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form.
• Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant is responsible for ensuring that all College finance accounts, including account maintenance, transaction processing, and reporting, are accurate, timely, and compliant with institutional, TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents), federal, and state regulations, policies, and guidelines. This role executes and audits complex accounting transactions using advanced technology to provide professional financial services in support of the College’s operations. Additionally, the Senior Accountant provides leadership and guidance to the College’s Accountant.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICIATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in any combination of:
• At least three (3) years of direct supervision of staff, defined as assigning work, evaluating performance, and providing guidance.
• Monitoring and maintaining a general ledger (e.g., reviewing/preparing, journal vouchers, bank reconciliation, etc.).
• Financial reporting (e.g., month-end/year-end close process, preparing/reviewing reports/statements, etc.).
• Capital asset management (e.g., maintaining inventory, preparing journal entries, etc.).
• Budget analysis (e.g., variance assessment, forecasting, cost analysis, etc.).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

General Accounting (50%)

• Monitors the College’s general ledger to ensure accuracy and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Reviews and approves journal vouchers prepared by the Accountant.
• Prepares journal vouchers as needed for approval by the Manager of Accounting Services.
• Prepares bank reconciliations for review and approval by the Manager of Accounting Services.
• Oversees and monitors month-end close, quarterly reviews, and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

Financial Reporting (10%)

• Assist in the preparation of accurate and timely annual and ad hoc financial reports.
• Support the preparation of financial statements and other reports to ensure compliance with GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board), AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), and federal and state reporting requirements.

Audit Support & Compliance (5%)

• Assist the Manager of Accounting Services in responding to requests from internal and external auditors.
• Monitor accounting systems to ensure proper internal controls, accuracy of financial information, and correct account classifications, to ensuring effective financial oversight and reporting.

Supervision & Departmental Support (15%)

• Supervise the Accountant and department interns, ensuring accurate and timely execution of finance activities.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to support staff development and adherence to College policies.
• Serve as a liaison with other College departments, addressing questions and resolving accounting issues effectively.

Capital Assets (10%)

• Review and maintain the annual inventory of capital assets and identify updates required for capitalized asset records.
• Prepare journal entries to support annual fixed asset reporting for financial statements and note disclosures.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents), and accounting standards related to capital asset management.

Budgeting (5%)

• Assist with variance analysis of budget versus actual results for College departments.
• Support department managers by providing financial insights to inform budget planning and decision-making.
• Ensure budgetary reporting aligns with institutional policies and financial guidelines.

Non-Essential Functions (5%)

• Serve on college committees as required.
• The Senior Accountant will be required to meet standards now required or which may be required by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
• May be required to achieve additional skill, knowledge, or credential levels.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Suite for reporting, tracking, and documentation.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of college and university accounting, budgeting, and NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) standards to ensure accurate financial management.
• Prepare and review financial reports in compliance with GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board), AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), TBR (Tennessee Board of Regents), and State of Tennessee requirements.
• Interpret and apply federal and state laws and regulations to maintain compliance in all financial operations.
• Learn, implement, and utilize new hardware and software systems effectively to support accounting and financial processes.

• Analyze financial data and inquiries, identify trends or discrepancies, apply critical thinking to evaluate options, and make informed decisions that support the College’s financial operations and strategic objectives.
• Organize and manage multiple tasks efficiently to meet deadlines and ensure accurate reporting.
• Work independently and collaboratively with team members to achieve departmental goals.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate financial information clearly and effectively in both written and oral formats.
• Identify customer needs and deliver high-quality, responsive financial and accounting services.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act), FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and institutional policies.
• Preferred experience:
• Accounting or auditing in higher education or government settings.
• Familiarity with TBR institutions and standardized accounting practices.
• Experience using ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or financial management systems.

WORK ACTIVITIES & EQUIPMENT

Work activities routinely involve the use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, telephones, and other related devices. Employees are expected to perform tasks such as data entry, document preparation, email communication, and report generation using these tools.

JOB LOCATION

This on-site position is based in the Finance department located in the Administration Building on the main campus of Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. The role involves travel within the college’s five-county service area and occasional travel to state meetings, conferences, and professional events. Travel across the service region for meetings and other activities is also expected.

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Applicants may be subject to a background check and credit check.

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Cleveland State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HAS
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in health)
• Educational Assistance: Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options: State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401k with $50 match, 403b, and 457
• Fourteen (14) Paid Holidays/Year
• Sick and Annual Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

If you are interested, click on the link to apply. 

Applications can be assured full consideration if submitted by April 14, 2026.

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Human Resources Office
Telephone: 423-478-6203; FAX: 423-478-6257
Email: humanresources@clevelandstatecc.edu

Website: www.clevelandstatecc.edu

The following link will direct you to a reporting section of the college’s website:  How Do I Report