Departmental Accountant

University of Arkansas System•Fayetteville, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Departmental Accountant will serve as a key financial resource for the department, working closely with the Department Head, faculty, staff, students, and other UADA and UARK offices. This position is well suited for someone who brings strong accounting skills, enjoys working collaboratively to solve problems, and finds purpose in helping others navigate financial processes so they can accomplish their work and advance the department’s mission of teaching, research, extension, and service. The Departmental Accountant will maintain positive and proactive working relationships with department personnel; communicate financial information and purchasing policies clearly; oversee purchasing in the department and ensure compliance with applicable requirements; manage and provide monthly financial reports for state, grant, Foundation, and service center accounts and recommend action as needed to the Department Head and faculty; maintain salary distributions for department employees; assist with preparation of the annual operations budget; oversee and act as backup for vehicle fleet reporting and travel claims; investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities; and other duties as assigned. The Departmental Accountant will work closely with faculty, staff, and students to understand their financial needs, clearly communicate applicable requirements, and help identify appropriate solutions and next steps. The position will also proactively communicate deadlines, funding concerns, potential delays, and other financial matters that may affect departmental operations. The Departmental Accountant will supervise two accounting staff and is responsible for creating a positive, helpful, and team-focused work environment that values accuracy, timeliness, communication, teamwork, cross-training, and good service.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting.
Bachelor's degree in a related field may be accepted with two years of accounting experience.
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial statements, ledgers, and financial reporting, with a commitment to accuracy and responsible stewardship of departmental resources.
Ability to analyze financial information, anticipate concerns, solve problems, and provide clear guidance that helps others make informed decisions.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, and financial requirements while helping faculty, staff, and students understand how to successfully navigate those requirements.
Ability to listen and understand what others are trying to accomplish, then work collaboratively to identify appropriate solutions and next steps.
Ability to build positive working relationships, communicate with clarity and respect, and contribute to a team culture where people share knowledge, support one another, and work toward common goals.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and Workday Financials or similar systems, with a willingness to continually learn and improve processes that better support the department.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a supervisor or manager.
Experience with Workday or similar accounting software system.
Knowledge and experience working in higher education or government.

Responsibilities

Maintain positive and proactive working relationships with department personnel.
Communicate financial information and purchasing policies clearly.
Oversee purchasing in the department and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
Manage and provide monthly financial reports for state, grant, Foundation, and service center accounts and recommend action as needed to the Department Head and faculty.
Maintain salary distributions for department employees.
Assist with preparation of the annual operations budget.
Oversee and act as backup for vehicle fleet reporting and travel claims.
Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities.
Supervise two accounting staff and create a positive, helpful, and team-focused work environment.
Work closely with faculty, staff, and students to understand their financial needs, clearly communicate applicable requirements, and help identify appropriate solutions and next steps.
Proactively communicate deadlines, funding concerns, potential delays, and other financial matters that may affect departmental operations.