Senior Accountant - Financial Accounting

Senior Accountant - Financial Accounting

Salary

$60,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually

Location

Waterfront Plaza, Honolulu, Hawaii

Job Type

Staff - Regular Full Time Exempt

Job Number

02762

Department

Business Office

Opening Date

08/26/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Hawai'i Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the Hawaiian language in all our institutional materials. This includes the appropriate use of diacritical marks such as the 'okina and kahako. Unfortunately, at times external vendors and other third-party technology integrations do not support the use of these characters. Mahalo for your understanding.

Description

Job Summary:

Hawai`i Pacific University (HPU or the University) seeks a highly skilled, driven, and detail oriented Senior Accountant, Financial Accounting to support the Universitys financial accounting and reporting functions. Reporting to the Director of Financial Accounting & Reporting, this position is responsible for the accounting, reconciliation, analysis, and reporting of the Universitys fund accounting activities, investments, leases, pledges, grants, and scholarships. Additionally, this role will support the Director in other technical and/or complex accounting transactions, as applicable.

The Senior Accountant will ensure transactions are accounted for in accordance with U.S. GAAP, FASB standards, donor restrictions, and University policies. This position serves as a key contributor to the monthly and annual close processes, external audit support, financial statement preparation, and compliance reporting. The role requires strong technical accounting expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments across the University.

:Location: This position is based out of our Waterfront Plaza offices located in downtown Honolulu.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and five (5) years of progressive accounting experience; OR, in lieu of a bachelors degree, ten (10) years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial accounting principles
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional judgement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or equivalent
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or similarly complex organizations
• Experience with Banner ERP or other higher education financial systems
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial reporting and FASB guidance related to contributions
• Experience supporting external audits and preparing financial statements and disclosures

Other Qualifications:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance is not available for this position.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and compliance with campus training policies the Minors on Campus policy.
• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU's winter break, if necessary.
• Able to work all shifts and extended hours, as applicable
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment requiring excellent time and stress management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Accounting (40%)

• Prepare and review reconciliations for various accounting areas, including Fund Accounting, Investments, Leases, Pledges and Scholarships, and Endowments

• Investigate and resolve reconciling items timely and accurately.

• Monitor and maintain supporting schedules for key financial accounts.

• Prepare, review, and post complex journal entries and supporting documentation.

• Perform detailed analysis and reconciliation of balance sheet and income statement accounts.

• Ensure proper accounting treatment for transactions in accordance with GAAP and organizational policies.

• Monitor and resolve accounting discrepancies and unusual transactions.

• Financial Close & Reporting (20%)

• Lead assigned activities related to the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.

• Prepare financial statements, schedules, and management reports.

• Analyze financial results and investigate significant variances, trends, and unusual transactions.

• Support preparation of internal and external financial reporting packages.

• Assist in the preparation of annual financial statements and related disclosures.

• Fund Accounting (15%)

• Maintain accurate accounting records for restricted and unrestricted funds.

• Monitor and reconcile fund balances to ensure compliance with donor, grantor, and institutional restrictions.

• Prepare analyses and reports related to net assets with and without donor restrictions.

• Assist with fund setup, maintenance, and reporting within the Universitys financial system.

• Ensure proper accounting treatment and reporting of restricted gifts, grants, and endowment activity.

• Audit & Compliance (10%)

• Coordinate and support annual financial statement audits and other external audits.

• Prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor requests.

• Assist with implementation and monitoring of internal accounting controls.

• Support compliance with accounting policies, regulatory requirements, and organizational procedures.

• Technical Accounting & Process Improvement (10%)

• Assist in developing and maintaining accounting policies and procedures.

• Stay current on accounting standards and best practices impacting higher education and nonprofit organizations.

• Develop and maintain written procedures and documentation for assigned accounting functions.

• Recommend and implement improvements to accounting processes and controls.

• Participate in ERP system enhancements, testing, and implementation projects.

• Support automation and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

• Other (5%)

• Assist other areas within the Business Office with seasonal workload peaks.

• Participate in financial system enhancements, implementations, and testing activities.

• Other duties may be assigned.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.

Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact hr@hpu.edu to request assistance.

Hawaii Pacific University is a learning community where staff, faculty, and more than 5,000 students come together from around the world to learn and work in a spirit of caring, honesty, freedom, and ohana (family).

Cooperation, communication, and collegiality are the foundation of our community. We fulfill the responsibilities of our educational mission through mutual trust and respect, innovation and involvement, expertise, and intellectual fellowship. We offer all members of our community the opportunity to excel, including resources and rewards commensurate with individual contributions and potential. As a team, we are committed to serving our local and global communities and embrace our values of aloha, pono, and kuleana.

We seek talented and energetic people who thrive on challenge and innovation in supporting the mission and values of our university. HPU offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

For student employment, please visit Career Development Center.

Why consider a career with HPU? Here are some of the benefits of employment . . .

Time Off A generous schedule that recognizes 15 holidays annually, plus winter break days off between Christmas and New Years. Eligible employees also receive vacation, sick and other types of paid leave.

Tuition Waiver Full time employees and spouse/dependent children pursuing a higher education degree at HPU may apply for a tuition waiver.

Health and Wellness Comprehensive health insurance, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program and wellness program.

Retirement Plan Eligible employees can start saving for the future and enroll in the Hawaii Pacific University 403(b) retirement plan upon hire.

Discounts Discounts for products and services including airlines, rental car, hotels, theme parks, attractions, gift cards, restaurants, and more.

01

Do you have a bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and at least five (5) years of progressive accounting experience, or at least ten (10) years of progressive accounting experience in lieu of a bachelors degree?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have professional experience applying U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial accounting principles?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have professional experience requiring analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have professional experience managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have professional experience performing detailed work that required accuracy, attention to detail, and professional judgment?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have professional experience requiring effective written and verbal communication?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Hawaii Pacific University

Address Waterfront Plaza

500 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 4-545

Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813

Phone 808-544-0243

Website http://www.hpu.edu/jobs