Senior Accountant

About the Job

The Senior Financial Reporting Accountant is responsible for accurate financial accounting University's transactions within the PeopleSoft system, ensuring reconciliation procedures are performed; issues researched and resolved; and ensuring system processes are correct. In addition, this position is responsible for financial statement close processes including journal entries, variance analysis, and audit schedules. This position will have a focus on investment accounting, as well as other general accounting activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Internal and External Financial Reporting Processes. (50%)

• Support the annual external financial audit by preparing internal and external deliverables related to the Annual Statement. This includes preparation of audit schedules, footnotes and supporting documentation, as well as driving the execution of the management of external reporting requirements (deliverable listing, timelines, resource management, etc.)

• Support additional external reporting, as assigned.

• Act as a liaison between other business partners throughout the University, as well as auditors or examiners.

• Prepare journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations, as assigned, and determine if any appropriate adjusting journal entries are needed.

• Coordinate and complete preparations for quarterly financial reporting periods and the annual external audit, which includes internal control reviews, preparation of schedules, compilation of work papers and footnotes as well as responding to questions regarding the financial statements.

• Determine if any appropriate adjusting journal entries are needed to ensure accurate financial reporting of the University.

• Monitor and review all PeopleSoft assigned balances processed transactions as needed to ensure accurate and consistent reporting and matching.

• Prepare account reconciliations as final documents for the University accounts.

• Promote organizational excellence by collaborating with departments to resolve any unrecorded transactions.

Rotational and Pooled Areas Shared With Other Accountant Staff: (25%)

• Field University-wide general accounting questions.

• Approve accounts payable vouchers processed in PeopleSoft Accounts Payable module.

• Approve departmental journal entries processed directly in PeopleSoft General Ledger module.

Accounting Policies and Procedures and Other Special Projects (25%)

• Assist with the oversight, simplification or redesign of key Accounting Services processes and responsibilities, including policy revision and creation.

• Assist with the development and implementation of changes in accounting policies and procedures to ensure compliance with accounting principles (including implementation of applicable GASBs) and other external regulations.

• In order to ensure the delivery of accurate, timely accounting and financial information, work closely with Business Process Owners of the other Enterprise Financial System modules to:

• Maintain existing processes to ensure continuity in execution

• Correct ad hoc issues as they are identified

• Identify and execute opportunities for improvement to existing processes.

• Perform special projects as assigned by the Director or Controller; or self-initiated projects including special analyses, projects and reports.

Education/Training/Experience:

• BA/BS degree in Accounting, Business, or other related field plus at least four years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.

Physical Demands: N/A

Work Environment: Office/Remote environment

Salary Range: $63,500 to $75,000

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Accounting, Business, or other related field plus at least four years of experience in accounting and financial reporting, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight years.

• Working knowledge and application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

• Demonstrated proficiency with spreadsheets, databases, or other query tools and financial systems.

• Problem solving, critical thinking, and ability to independently troubleshoot potential solutions

• Possess excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritize workload and complete it in a timely manner.

• Ability to complete work in an organized fashion.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications/Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge and application of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and application of accounting standards (e.g., GASB and NACUBO reporting requirements).

• Experience with ERP systems (PeopleSoft/Oracle, SAP).

• Ability to work with a high volume of information or data.

• Excellent customer service skills in a diverse, decentralized environment.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).