"Accountant III or IV - Financial Reporting"

SUMMARY

JOB DESCRIPTION

Accountant III

This is a professional position responsible for performing complex accounting work in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), state and federal laws/regulations, and university policy. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to designated supervisor.

Accountant IV

This is a professional position responsible for performing highly complex accounting work in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), state and federal laws/regulations, and university policies. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to Associate Director of Financial Reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS

Accountant III

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or a related field and five years of related experience or current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and two years of related experience is required.

Experience in fund accounting is preferred.

Accountant IV

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or a related field and seven years of related experience or current Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and five years of related experience is required.

Experience in fund accounting is required. Experience in auditing and/or tax is preferred. Experience with accounting software is preferred. Experience with Texas laws pertaining to higher education funding and accounting is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Accountant III

1. Develops and maintains financial records.
2. Prepares and analyzes financial reports.
3. Balances and reconciles accounts.
4. Prepares and posts journal entries and budget changes.
5. Verifies accuracy of accounting data and entries.
6. Compiles and analyzes data.
7. Enters transactions in the Uniform State Accounting System (USAS).
8. Develops reports and projections to assist management in planning and decision making.
9. Develops and implements new internal procedures, including staff training.
10. Develops, maintains, and updates operating procedures manuals.
11. Identifies inefficiencies and needed operational improvements and recommends solutions.
12. Proposes, writes, and communicates policies and procedures.
13. Provides guidance and technical assistance to university management and staff.
14. Acts as consultant on accounting matters to administrative, technical, and/or supervisory workers.

Accountant IV

1. Provides oversight, guidance, consultation, and technical assistance on operational accounting processes to departmental, division, and university staff.
2. Complies with state guidelines and reporting requirements for higher education.
3. Collaborates with system programmers to initiate report modifications.
4. Oversees maintenance of the chart of accounts.
5. Develops and maintains financial records.
6. Analyzes and prepares schedules for financial reporting.
7. Balances and reconciles complex accounts.
8. Reviews and approves journal entries as necessary.
9. Verifies accuracy of accounting data within general ledger processes.
10. Compiles and analyzes data and recommends operational efficiencies.
11. Enters transactions in the Uniform State Accounting System (USAS).
12. Assists department head in external reporting requirements.
13. Develops reports and projections to assist management in planning and decision making.
14. Develops and implements new internal procedures, including staff training.
15. Plans, coordinates, and conducts training.
16. Proposes, writes, and communicates policies and procedures.
17. Develops, maintains, and updates operating procedures manuals.
18. Identifies inefficiencies and needed operational improvements and recommends solutions.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Accountant III

1. May receive and/or supervise the receipt of payments from students and others for departmentally sponsored activities.
2. May assist with student registration.
3. May supervise student workers and other employees.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Accountant IV

• May represent the department on various committees.
• May supervise student workers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Accountant III

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of generally accepted accounting procedures and methods, and the ability to apply them to specific situations.
3. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
4. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
5. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.
6. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
7. Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.
8. Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
9. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Accountant IV

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting procedures and principles.
• Knowledge of accounting procedures and methods and the ability to apply them to difficult or complex transactions.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and communicate accounting data and results in a concise format.
• Ability to prepare financial and accounting records.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to learn office and university-specific software.
• Ability to train others.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

Please provide any certifications relevant to the position in the "Other" application attachment requirement.

Accountant III is salary grade 7 and Accountant IV is salary grade 6; pay depends on qualifications and the position level.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.