Accountant/Accounting Analyst - Division of Finance

Job Profile Title

Accountant/Financial Analyst

Job Description Summary

Under general supervision of the Director, Corporate Tax Compliance and Payroll and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Accountant/Accounting Analyst role is responsible for all financial accounting matters related to payroll as well as managing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and internal University policies/procedures.

The ideal candidate will have experience in general ledger account reconciliation, analysis, and substantiation; bank account reconciliations; payroll escheat process and due diligence; as well as experience posting, reviewing, and balancing of general ledger activity related to payroll/unclaimed property reporting.

In the Division of Finance, we recognize diversity and inclusion is paramount to a positive and thriving work environment; it is a business imperative. We are committed to actively fostering diversity, inclusion and cultural competency throughout our research, development, and operational efforts in the Division of Finance. This role will be critical in supporting those efforts and demonstrating behaviors and competencies that reflect Penn's values.

We take pride in the myriad ways that diversity enriches our curriculum, and the cultural and social life of our campus. Penn's commitment to achieving eminence through diversity is ultimately a commitment to creating a more vibrant university so that our graduates will be both stimulated and empowered to shape a better world.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Provide accounting expertise in general ledger account reconciliation, analysis, and substantiation; bank account reconciliations; payroll escheat process and due diligence; and all posting, reviewing, and balancing of general ledger activity related to payroll as well as unclaimed property reporting.
• Support/execute upon general accounting, financial reporting, as well as various other accounting functions. This position will be responsible for assisting with activities related to month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes and analysis.
• Accurately reconcile monthly payroll liability and withholding accounts; prompt identification and resolution of reconciling items; precise recording of adjusting entries as needed.
• Accurately reconcile monthly payroll expense accounts; prompt identification and resolution of reconciling items; precise recording of adjusting entries as needed.
• Responsible for accurate and timely payroll escheat process, including identification of uncashed checks and follow-up with payees for uncashed checks over 90 days; identification of checks to be reported to the respective states and upload to unclaimed property software; reconciliation of amounts to be reported to the states; reissue of claimed property.
• Calculate payroll expense and employee benefits related to health affiliates CPUP and CHOPPA; preparation of monthly estimated billings and true-ups; communication with health affiliates to resolve any billing discrepancies.
• Accurate and precise monthly reconciliation of payroll bank account; identification and resolution of reconciling items; recording of adjusting entries as needed.
• Calculate and record monthly payroll-related accruals, including salary and unused vacation accruals.
• Respond to information requests for various audits and surveys, including annual financial audit, workers' compensation, economic impact survey, etc.
• Perform research on federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and draft memos/white papers on compliance issues.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Accountant/Accounting professional with strong payroll reporting/background and analytical skills.
• In depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and general accounting structure.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and a minimum of two to three years related experience required; or equivalent combination of education and experience; five to seven years' relevant experience preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, communication skills, technical skills, and multi-tasking abilities.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Workday (preferred).
• Payroll tax experience required. Multi-State payroll tax experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and accurate. Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills, along with the ability to work within tight and often conflicting deadlines.
• Must be flexible, show effective judgement, discretion and have the ability to handle confidential financial matters.
• Work effectively in a highly matrixed and decentralized environment with the ability to navigate through ambiguity and demonstrate appreciation and support for diversity, inclusion and belonging in a constantly evolving academic/higher education environment.

Please include a cover letter in your resume submission in Workday. The expected target salary based on the candidate who meets all requirements for the role with relevant experience, skills and competencies is maximum of $80,000 annually.