Financial Specialist III

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction and supervision of the SMPH Associate Director of Finance, the Financial Specialist provides transaction processing support for SMPH departments. The position serves as the primary initiator for departmental financial reporting and transaction processing, and provides expert guidance on UW-Madison financial policies. The incumbent is part of a team of accountants supporting multiple departments within the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). The position may require some work in person at a designated campus work location, with some work potentially performed remotely at an offsite, non-campus work location. The Department of Administration – Fiscal Affairs provides fiscal and administrative support to more than 50 SMPH departments, centers, institutes, and administrative units, including support for school funding, grants, gifts, and recharge funds.

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 using Microsoft Office software, specifically Excel, and/or comparable financial management technologies to maintain accurate and compliant financial records.
Ability to apply core accounting principles, including double-sided accounting entries and accrual-based accounting.
Ability to problem-solve or escalate issues based on their severity, complexity, or urgency.
Effective written and verbal communication skills to advise on financial policies and procedures.
Ability to develop and maintain constructive, cooperative working relationships.
Strong attention to detail in recording and reporting financial transactions.
Ability to manage individual workload amid shifting priorities and deadlines.
Ability to interpret and apply UW policies and procedures for accurate and compliant transaction processing.
Must maintain continuous eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship; proof of work authorization and eligibility is required if selected.

Nice To Haves

Experience processing financial transactions and/or reports in Workday.
Experience working with WISER, UW purchasing, and other UW financial systems.
Associate's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Review and approve complex transactions and assign funding codes in accordance with established rules, regulations, and policies.
Reallocate expenses to appropriate funding strings.
Draft communications and reports and maintain varied records to provide administrative support within a specified work unit.
Answer complex fiscal questions and provide information based on established materials and standards to various audiences.
Review transaction-processing internal controls and recommend policies and procedures.
Serve as a unit liaison to leadership by providing financial advice, recommendations, and financial status updates.
May train staff on financial processes and best practices.
Monitor financial transactions and fund balances, and generate and reconcile complex reports and statements in accordance with established rules and regulations.