Accountant II

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 146 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The College of the Arts and Architecture (CAA) is a dynamic center of creativity, artistry, and innovation. The CAA comprises two distinct schools – the Peck School of the Arts and the School of Architecture and Urban Planning – that offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the visual and performing arts, architecture, design, and urban planning. The College of The Arts and Architecture unites these two schools through shared interests, including strong ties to the Milwaukee region, academic programs driven largely by experiential learning, and a focus on creativity and design. Productive collaborations across disciplines draw from both schools’ strengths and provide students with unparalleled opportunity to grow as creative professionals in a learning environment that fosters creative and critical thinking, cultural diversity, and social responsibility. Reporting to the Divisional Finance Officer for the College of Arts and Architecture, the Accountant II works closely with the various CAA departments as a subject matter expert in accounting and financial operations, policies, and procedures. Additionally, they will provide expertise on transactional and budget management tailored to the specific needs of each discipline. This position performs tasks under general direction requiring considerable initiative, judgment, responsibility and specialized knowledge of university and UWM administrative policies and procedures, budget processes, purchasing/procurement procedures, payroll transactions, etc. This position requires a significant degree of independence and latitude in decision making. The person in this position is expected to demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

Requirements

Associate degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field.
Minimum 3 years of accounting or financial reporting/auditing experience
Proficiency with Excel including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
Experience preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reports.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field.
Experience with ERP systems such as Workday
Experience in a higher education, government, and/or non-profit environment.
Experience supporting faculty grants, sponsored projects, or restricted funds accounting.
Experience providing customer service to a variety of audiences (responding to inquiries, troubleshooting, follow-up, providing basic training, communicating technical concepts)
Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage competing transactions

Responsibilities

Organizes, prepares, and updates 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
Prepares and analyzes financial data, reports and records, identifies discrepancies, investigates, recommends, and implements solutions as needed
Develops and maintains automated financial systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity
Assists with accounting and reviewing reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, and reports
Provides and prepares budgets and projections based on existing data and established policies and procedures
Answers questions and provides accounting related information to internal and external stakeholders according to established policies and procedures
Prepares and/or approves financial transactions and payments