Financial Specialist III

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Financial Specialist III provides transaction-processing support for departments in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), under the direction and supervision of the SMPH Associate Director of Finance. The role is the primary initiator for departmental financial reporting and transaction-processing activities and provides expert guidance on UW-Madison financial policies. The position is part of a team of accountants supporting multiple SMPH departments. The role may require some in-person work at a designated campus location, with some work potentially performed remotely from an offsite, non-campus location. The Office of Fiscal Affairs provides fiscal and administrative support to more than 50 SMPH departments, centers, institutes, and administrative units, and assists with school funding, grants, gifts, and recharge funds. The position is ongoing and requires continuous eligibility to work in the United States; university sponsorship is not available.

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 serve as a consultative point of contact and 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 an individual workload amid shifting priorities and deadlines.
Ability to interpret and apply UW policies and procedures for accurate, compliant transaction processing.

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, 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.