Extension Assistant Specialist - Accountant-1

University of Arkansas • Pine Bluff, AR

4d

About The Position

The Extension Assistant Specialist Accountant position supporting the School of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Human Sciences is a highly technical, cross-functional role requiring advanced accounting expertise, financial systems proficiency, and strong knowledge of regulatory compliance. This position plays a critical role in supporting informed decision-making through financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with state, federal, and institutional requirements. Key responsibilities include:

Monitoring and evaluating SAFHS’s financial performance through detailed analysis and interpretation of financial data.

Preparing complex financial reports, variance analyses, and long-range projections to support strategic planning.

Administering financial reporting activities, audits, internal controls, and compliance obligations.

Advising the Dean and leadership team on financial risks, opportunities, and fiscal strategy.

Collaborating with grants and contracts offices to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of funded activities.

Providing training and technical assistance to faculty and staff on financial policies, procedures, and Workday best practices.

Supporting fiscal year-end close processes and internal and external audits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• A strong academic foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, and compliance standards is necessary to support the analytical and regulatory responsibilities of the position.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of progressive accounting experience, with demonstrated expertise in Workday financial modules, reporting, reconciliations, and financial analysis.
• Proven experience preparing and analyzing complex financial reports, including variance analyses, multi-year trend reports, and budget-to-actual comparisons.
• Experience administering state and federal financial reporting, internal controls, and audit support activities.
• Demonstrated ability to perform advanced accounting functions, including journal entries, reconciliations, general ledger oversight, and fiscal year-end close processes.
• Experience collaborating with grants, contracts, and compliance offices to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of funded activities.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in higher education or public-sector accounting is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and evaluating SAFHS’s financial performance through detailed analysis and interpretation of financial data.
• Preparing complex financial reports, variance analyses, and long-range projections to support strategic planning.
• Administering financial reporting activities, audits, internal controls, and compliance obligations.
• Advising the Dean and leadership team on financial risks, opportunities, and fiscal strategy.
• Collaborating with grants and contracts offices to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of funded activities.
• Providing training and technical assistance to faculty and staff on financial policies, procedures, and Workday best practices.
• Supporting fiscal year-end close processes and internal and external audits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level