Job Details

Accountant Special Projects – Senior Specialist

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Accountant Special Projects – Senior Specialist at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

Oversee the recording and verification of financial data in accordance with University policies and procedures. Identify and resolve discrepancies. Perform financial review and analysis. Prepare accurate and timely reports in compliance with established procedures and regulatory guidelines. Provide project oversight and review related work that is directed to accounting staff. Manage significant and complex assignments. Play a significant role in specific aspects of the overall operations of General Accounting including the fiscal closing activities. This position reports into the Assistant Vice President and Controller, Fiscal Operations.

Essential Functions

Manage significant and complex assignments, with minimal assistance from direct supervisor. Serve as a seasoned accounting professional in the application of theory and principles of accounting to maintain and enhance University accounting practices and reporting. Play a primary role in the analysis, implementation, and maintenance of financial reporting changes (GASB pronouncements, etc.).

Prepare, analyze, and reconcile financial transactions and reports to verify accuracy and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, university policies and procedures, divisional objectives, and external grant, contract, and governmental requirements. Identify and research discrepancies and prepare necessary corrections. Play a critical role in the planning and coordination of the year-end close process and serve as a liaison to the external auditors.

Oversee internal and external financial reporting requirements. Compile and analyze financial information in conjunction with preparing financial statements and supporting schedules. Ensure that financial reporting deadlines are met and financial records are maintained in compliance with prevailing policies and procedures.

Manage workflow and assignments, train, and oversee select lower-level accounting staff and support staff, including but not limited to coordinating and reviewing their assigned tasks.

Assist with the development and enhancement of accounting policies and procedures. Review, monitor and maintain appropriate internal controls over finance transactions making recommendations and proposing changes as necessary and required.

Participate in computer system testing and development. Provide information on system requirements; create and run test data; note errors to be corrected; recommend changes as appropriate. Understand and evaluate interaction between new system enhancements and current computing capabilities.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORK CONTEXT

Job Reports to: Vice President/AVP/Dean.

Supervisory Accountability: Supervises professionals and non-managers.

Customer Accountability: Interfaces with regulatory authorities.

Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisor.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience).

Prior experience with operations and procedures in a large and complex accounting operation. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products, primarily Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Extensive experience using Banner administrative systems preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles with emphasis on fund accounting and GASB implementations.

Reasonable knowledge and understanding of University policies and procedures or policies and procedures in a large and complex environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Analytical Skills: Keen ability to make valid and reliable evaluation of information with demonstrated attention to detail sufficient to consistently achieve high degrees of accuracy and/or desired results.

Learning Agility: Independent and innovative self-starter who can display an ability to learn rapidly and adapt quickly to changing situations.

Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and central units; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.

Technology Skills: Proficient in the use of complex financial management system software and similar analytical and reporting tools, preferably with Banner or comparable software in a higher education environment.

Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally both orally and in writing.

Supervisory Skills: Ability to provide functional supervision, as well as train and coach staff.

Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and influence staff, make difficult decisions, function with integrity, and demonstrate sound judgement.