Accountant I

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction and supervision of the SMPH Associate Director of Finance, the Accountant I provides financial management and transaction processing support for SMPH departments. This position serves as the primary resource for departmental activities related to financial reporting, transaction processing, and providing expert guidance on UW-Madison's financial policies. The incumbent will be part of a team of accountants supporting multiple departments within SMPH. This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. After the candidate has successfully passed the probationary period of 12 months, some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location up to 2 days per week.

Requirements

At least two years of professional experience in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
Experience with double-sided accounting entries and accrual-based accounting
Experience utilizing Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel and/or other comparable financial management technologies, to maintain accurate and compliant financial records.
Ability to effectively apply core accounting principles, including double-sided accounting entries and accrual-based accounting.
Ability to problem-solve or escalate to appropriate parties based on severity, complexity, or urgency of a situation.
Effective written and verbal communication skills to serve as a consultative point of contact and advise on financial policies and procedures.
Ability to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintain them over time.
Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions
Adaptability to effectively manage individual workload through shifting priorities to meet deadlines.
Ability to interpret and apply UW policies and procedures for accurate and compliant transaction processing.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of post award management requirements and processes to monitor expenditures on sponsored funding and assist with award/grant closeout.
Ability to analyze financial data, trends, and business needs to contribute to strategic financial management, budgeting, and expense planning.
Ability to collaborate with peers, management, and stakeholders to maintain financial dashboards for PIs.
Knowledge of standard budgeting and financial projection methods.
Proficiency in processing journal entries, non-salary and salary cost transfers, billing, purchasing, and reimbursement transactions within UW financial systems (Workday, WISER, UW Purchasing, etc).
Experience processing financial transactions and/or reports with Workday.
Experience working with WISER, UW purchasing and other UW financial systems
Experience in Research Administration

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