"Accountant 2"

Overview

The Accountant 2 is responsible for providing accurate financial information through the interpretation, analysis, reporting, and reconciliation of data. This role requires converting financial data into useful information to guide leadership in making informed decisions. Key responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day financial operations, performing reconciliations, and recommending improvements to systems, methods, and practices. The position entails analyzing financial reports, preparing budgets and forecasts, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The accountant also provides high-level customer service and support, effectively communicates with stakeholders, and maintains robust internal controls to manage financial risks.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Strong analytical, accounting, and financial management skills with the ability to resolve complex issues independently.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of accounting theory and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with well-developed interpersonal abilities to work effectively with diverse groups.
4. Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high levels of accuracy.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, showing initiative and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Experience with grant management and financial reporting analysis in a university or non-profit environment.
2. Familiarity with financial systems like Workday and budget tools, including advanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
3. MBA or MS in Accounting, or related field, with experience in grant and contract administration.
4. Demonstrated ability with data analysis tools and financial software, and expertise in accounting theory and compliance matters.
5. Prior supervisory experience and knowledge of financial operations in higher education or non-profit organizations.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Financial Analysis and Reporting: Analyzes information and creates accurate and timely reports that add value to the management of University operations. Applies GAAP to report out on financial conditions. Ensures financial reporting meets the compliance needs of internal and external users. Extracts data from multiple sources.
2. Financial Methods and Systems: Recommends methods to improve practices, processes and systems. Works with internal and external contacts to carry out department objectives. Provides a high level of service that cultivates and maintains strong working relationships and effectively communicates information; takes ownership and accountability for timeliness, accuracy and relationship management.
3. Accounting and Reconciliation: Accurately records enterprise or subsystem transactions to balance sheets, income statements, and other financial records. Performs reconciliations; navigates through systems and reporting tools to independently resolve routine and non-routine discrepancies. Applies entries to the general ledger or subsystems and ensures adherence to GAAP, regulatory requirements and financial reporting considerations. Communicates effectively to unit leadership.
4. Strategic Resource: Translates unit finance objectives into priorities. Reports financial issues and risks and makes recommendations. Contacts appropriate stakeholders to include in communications and approvals.
5. Compliance and Risk Management: Establishes, implements and/or maintains strong internal controls in areas of assigned responsibility to provide reasonable assurance of effective and appropriate resources use, accurate financial information, and adherence to contractual obligations and agreements, policies, procedures, and external regulatory requirements.
6. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Economics or Finance and two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated application of financial, accounting and economic concepts.