Accountant I

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

2d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Business Services Office at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is looking for a motivated and team-oriented person to provide financial support and policy expertise in the areas of purchasing, travel and expense reimbursement, transaction review and approval, gift processing, property management, financial reporting and budget management. The person in this position will function both independently and within a team and perform highly responsible financial tasks under the general supervision of the Business Services Manager. This position executes and guides financial and accounting transactions for CALS in multiple finance functional areas. This role will be responsible for auditing and approving financial transactions, preparing financial reports and budget management. The incumbent participates in day-to-day financial operations of the college to ensure accuracy of financial transactions and reports and will guide other faculty and departmental staff. The position recommends and implements fiscal policies and participates in the development and implementation of new systems and processes to improve customer service, efficiency, and internal controls.

Requirements

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet software (google sheets). Examples of proficient use includes: formulas/functions; conditional formatting; pivot tables; filters or slicers; data validation, etc.
Providing customer service to a variety of audiences (responding to inquiries; working with people of varying backgrounds; troubleshooting; follow-up; providing basic training; communicating technical concepts)
Effectively and independently manage a high volume of varied tasks (e.g., organizing; prioritizing; consistently meeting deadlines; attention to detail; accuracy)

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of UW, State and Federal financial-related rules and regulations
Experience managing finances within an institution of higher education
Experience with financial component of Workday
Experience organizing, interpreting, and analyzing financial data
Education, training and/or experience with GAAP (Generally accepted Accounting Principles) and fund accounting

Responsibilities

Answers questions and provides accounting related information to internal and external stakeholders according to established policies and procedures
Prepares and analyzes financial data, reports and records, identifies discrepancies, investigates, recommends, and implements basic solutions as needed
Assists in preparing budgets and financial projections
Assists with accounting and reviewing reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, and reports
Prepares and/or approves financial transactions and payments
Organizes, prepares, and updates basic financial statements, monthly and year-end journal entries, accounts, ledgers, and reports for various financial needs within an automated financial system to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions