Accountant I (Project Accounts)

University of Texas at Austin

6d•$50,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides account support for the project accounts work group and renovation project delivery unit within Planning, Energy, and Facilities (PEF). The role is responsible for various accounts and all records for funding, contract maintenance, payments, reconciliations, closeouts, and reporting. The Accountant I will provide primary processing and reconciliation/closeout support to Accountant II and/or Accountant III for the CIP portfolio (PDC Managed) and complex and/or high visibility projects, as well as training support for new employees. The University of Texas at Austin is an internationally recognized university with outstanding benefits, including competitive health benefits, generous paid time off, a defined benefit retirement plan, and numerous professional development opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in related field or related work experience in governmental or commercial accounting at a level comparable to that of an Accounting Clerk III, or equivalent in the area of complexity.
Demonstrated experience using a personal computer including experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Must be authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing, full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors Degree in accounting or related experience.
Two years of experience in governmental or commercial accounting at a level comparable to that of an Accounting Clerk III, or equivalent area of complexity.
At least two years of experience with Accounts Payable and/or vendor relations.
UT Austin experience desired, with proficiency in DEFINE.
Familiar with UT Austin vouchering and accounting policies and procedures.
Experience processing web-based documents.
Experience with electronic accounting and work management systems.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Excellent customer service ability.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work both independently and as a team member without day-to-day supervision.
Ability to multi-task and to prioritize.
Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in gathering, analyzing, presenting financial data, and making recommendations.
Experience with accounts receivable and cash handling.
Experience providing customer service.
Professional demeanor.

Responsibilities

Prepare funding, encumbrance, payments and correction vouchers via DEFINE/WEB, verifying all information for accuracy regarding object codes, amounts, accounts, and vendor setup.
Backup Accountant II with document review, including VP1/VP2/VE3/VT6/VT7.
Coordinate, create, update, and verify supporting documentation/data spreadsheets/tracking logs/records for project management files to ensure accurate maintenance on all projects.
Apply applicable rules, regulations, and policies to ensure financial transactions are consistent with university policies and communicate with architects, engineers, directors, department heads, and deans regarding construction projects.
Provide consistent, timely, and reliable communication via e-mail or other medium to project managers regarding the status of projects such as funding, billing exception errors, project close-out statements, and ad hoc financial updates for projects with complex funding structures.
Consistently reconcile and close complex/problem CPs after 60 days of the project being placed in ACCOUNTING status.
Reconcile accounts, lapse funds, audit project files for complete documentation and conformance with records retention practices, close projects and provide a final financial statement as projects are completed.
Return unused funds back to the original funding sources for future project use.
Post project funding and/or cost information to AiM and process electronic vouchers to ensure prompt and accurate billings to clients, verifying accuracy regarding amount reference number, work order number, account, etc.
Prepare or verify various ad hoc and funding reports and/or analysis as needed by the Controller's Office, Vice President's Office to provide accurate financial data.
Work closely with Accountant II for new Accountant training, acting as the point person for teaching new tasks throughout the training program for new Accountants.
Work closely with Accountant II/Accountant III to propose and execute project account realignments for projects with multiple sources of time-limited and/or specific scope funds.
Attend meetings as the Department liaison to provide accounting expertise or to assist and answer any financial-related questions.
Participate in hiring committees as requested.
Act as backup for co-workers.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas: a defined benefit retirement plan
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card