Financial Administration Accountant

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

3d • $79,000 - $89,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The performance in this position requires demonstrated ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) reporting standards, familiarity with Universities of Wisconsin and State of Wisconsin fiscal rules, policies and procedures and participation in the Universities of Wisconsin financial decision making. Key Job Responsibilities: This Financial Administration Accountant position would include responsibility for the following types of activity:
Leads the planning, execution, and review of annual non‑payroll tax filings, ensuring accuracy in withholding, reporting, and remittance while supporting strong internal controls and consistent system‑wide practices. Direct system‑wide year‑end tax reporting, including calendar development, data preparation, testing, reconciliation, approval workflows, and timely submission of all required filings. Serve as a subject matter expert for year‑end non‑payroll tax reporting and compliance across a multi-campus higher-education environment. Maintain and improve system‑wide tax compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls; perform data analytics and account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of tax-related information. Partner with campus and central AP, Payroll, and HR teams to standardize tax‑sensitive business processes and provide ongoing training and support. Provide guidance to campus staff throughout the tax reporting cycle, including support for corrections and coordination of updated information with both campuses and recipients. Leads and executes the development, organization, preparation, and maintenance of complex financial statements, journals, ledgers, accounts, and reports within an automated financial system to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions. Analyze financial data and compile supporting information to prepare GAAP‑based accounting entries for the monthly and annual financial close processes, as well as annual financial reporting requirements. Develop and maintain the extraction of data from financial systems and other databases for financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting. Direct and design the compilation of data for statutorily required reports, external audit support documentation, and annual survey submissions. Prepare internal and external financial reports, including surveys, questionnaires, and ad‑hoc requests from Finance Administration leadership and campus stakeholders. Perform other duties as assigned by Finance Administration leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field of study from an accredited institution.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible financial management experience including accounting, financial reporting and budgeting.
• Solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Strong and demonstrated understanding of financial operations and reporting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across an organization at all levels.

Nice To Haves

• CPA – Certified Public Accountant is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and experience applying GAAP and GASB based accounting practices in the preparation of financial statements.
• Familiarity with IRS tax reporting.
• Familiarity with the budget and legislative process within state government and/or higher education.
• Knowledge and experience using accounting systems and databases as well as the ability to query and compile financial data from the systems.
• Proficiency with advanced Excel functions and ability to create complex spreadsheets and reports.
• Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
• Effective professional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Leads the planning, execution, and review of annual non‑payroll tax filings, ensuring accuracy in withholding, reporting, and remittance while supporting strong internal controls and consistent system‑wide practices.
• Direct system‑wide year‑end tax reporting, including calendar development, data preparation, testing, reconciliation, approval workflows, and timely submission of all required filings.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for year‑end non‑payroll tax reporting and compliance across a multi-campus higher-education environment.
• Maintain and improve system‑wide tax compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls; perform data analytics and account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of tax-related information.
• Partner with campus and central AP, Payroll, and HR teams to standardize tax‑sensitive business processes and provide ongoing training and support.
• Provide guidance to campus staff throughout the tax reporting cycle, including support for corrections and coordination of updated information with both campuses and recipients.
• Leads and executes the development, organization, preparation, and maintenance of complex financial statements, journals, ledgers, accounts, and reports within an automated financial system to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions.
• Analyze financial data and compile supporting information to prepare GAAP‑based accounting entries for the monthly and annual financial close processes, as well as annual financial reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain the extraction of data from financial systems and other databases for financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Direct and design the compilation of data for statutorily required reports, external audit support documentation, and annual survey submissions.
• Prepare internal and external financial reports, including surveys, questionnaires, and ad‑hoc requests from Finance Administration leadership and campus stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Finance Administration leadership.

Benefits

• Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package.
• To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees or University Staff
• Please see this link for total compensation information: Universities of Wisconsin Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to provide you with total compensation information.

What This Job Offers

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