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The University of Wisconsin System, a premier system of public higher education, educates approximately 161,000 students each year and employs about 35,000 faculty and staff statewide. With 13 universities across 26 campuses and a statewide extension network with offices in every county, the UW System is a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world. The UW System and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.

The Office of Financial Administration has the primary responsibility for the fiscal integrity of the University of Wisconsin System. It is expected to provide a financial environment that is secure, encourages the accomplishment of academic missions, provides timely and accurate information, and assists all levels of management in making prudent financial decisions.

POSITION SUMMARY
This project position provides accounting, reporting, and policy services to all institutions in the UW System as part of the Automated Transformation Project (ATP).

The individual in this position provides accounting expertise in one or more business processes, provides direction and coordination of the campus activities, demonstrates a high degree of customer support and relationship management, and promotes operational efficiencies.

This position assists in managing UW System’s complex accounting structure consisting of numerous funds, day-to-day accounting activities, development and maintenance of accounting records, processing of accounting transactions, reconciliation of accounts, and closing of accounting records.  This position is further responsible for preparation of systemwide financial reports and analysis, development and maintenance of complex automated financial systems, development, and implementation of financial policies.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Development and maintenance of accounting records, processing of accounting transactions, reconciliation of accounts, and closing of accounting records.

  • Process accounting transactions for the campuses transition to Workday and ensure they are recorded accurately using generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Perform account reconciliations accurately and timely.
  • Ensure tax reporting is completed in accordance with University, state, and federal policies and tax regulations.
  • Resolve stale dated checks for all campuses.
  • Manage Asset Management including processing asset additions, deletions, updates, and depreciation entries monthly.

Preparation of Financial Reports and Financial Analysis

  • Prepare fiscal year-end financial reports for accrual basis GAAP financial statements.
  • Complete periodic financial analysis of financial transactions using queries and reports to ensure consistency, accuracy, and materially correct as needed.

Miscellaneous duties

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & ABILITY

  • Knowledge and experience applying GAAP and GASB based accounting practices in the preparation of financial statements.
  • Knowledge and experience using accounting systems and databases as well as the ability to query and compile financial data from the systems.
  • Proficiency with Excel functions and ability to create complex spreadsheets and reports.
  • Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
  • Effective professional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to make independent judgments, solve problems, and set priorities to meet multiple deadlines.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
  • Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals including staff, administrators, and outside contacts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field of study from an accredited institution.
  • Two or more years of experience in accounting or related role.
  • Experience working with complex automated accounting systems, including database and query and compiling financial information from on-line or web-based financial management and accounting systems.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with various levels of University staff and officials.
  • Intermediate Excel skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • CPA – Certified Public Accountant.
  • Experience working with the UW System or state.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The UW System is required to conduct a criminal background and sexual harassment check for final candidate(s) prior to employment.  Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

WORK LOCATION
The office location is 780 Regent Street, Madison, WI 53715.  Working remotely or a hybrid telecommuting work schedule is an option for these positions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Accountant II and Accountant III are full-time, salaried (exempt) academic staff fixed term-terminal positions that are expected for two years. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $56,800.00 – 79,000.00 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UWSA comprehensive benefit package, you can read our benefit summary guide: Summary – Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees. Furthermore, the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu) is a tool designed to provide you with total compensation information.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Sunday, June 18, 2023.

  1. Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
  2. Follow the onscreen instructions and be sure to include your salary expectations when asked in our applicant tracking In addition, please be sure to upload ALL THREE of the required documents: resume, cover letter, and references as PDF files. Failing to include any of these documents may disqualify your application.
    1. Your cover letter MUST specifically address how your education and experience relate to the and qualifications. Be sure to emphasize the areas outlined under “Minimum and Preferred ” Qualifications.
    2. Your reference page should include the names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers for three professional references with at least one being from a current or previous supervisor.
  3. Include a statement of whether you wish to have your application held in confidence or made available to the public upon request. Please note that in the absence of any statement regarding confidentiality, we will assume you do not wish to have your application held in confidence. The UW System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
  4. Submit your application.

University of Wisconsin System Administration is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Questions may be addressed to akoppen@uwsa.edu UW System Administration Human Resources.