Senior Technical Accountant

Western Governors University•Salt Lake City, UT

6d•$73,000 - $109,400•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Technical Accountant is a high-impact individual contributor with a solid foundation in public accounting or financial reporting and demonstrated technical accounting research capabilities - ideally with exposure to or interest in the nonprofit sector. This role sits at the intersection of technical accounting judgment and cross-functional partnership - serving as a critical resource for WGU and its affiliated entities on complex accounting matters. If you have built your career in public accounting or financial reporting and are ready to bring that rigor to a mission-driven university, this role is for you.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
CPA certification required
3–5 years of progressive experience, preferably including public accounting, technical accounting, audit, or financial reporting experience.
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, financial statements, and footnote disclosures
Demonstrated ability to research technical accounting issues and produce clear, well-reasoned accounting memos.
Sound professional judgment and critical thinking skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and make well-reasoned accounting decisions.
Hands-on experience supporting audit engagements.
Understanding of internal controls frameworks; experience documenting, assessing, and improving control environments.
Advanced proficiency in Excel
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft technical accounting documentation and explain complex concepts to non-accounting stakeholders.
A growth mindset with a track record of staying current on technical accounting standards and actively seeking opportunities to grow your skills and expertise.
High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while collaborating effectively within a team.

Nice To Haves

Nonprofit tax experience is a plus but not required.
A combination of public and non-profit industry accounting experience.
Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards
Experience in multi-entity structures
Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to leverage AI, automation, and technology tools to improve accounting processes and analysis.

Responsibilities

Draft and maintain technical accounting memos documenting the appropriate treatment for new, complex, or non-routine transactions in accordance with GAAP.
Report to the Controller and collaborate closely with the VP of Accounting and Finance Operations to analyze financial statements and determine the correct accounting and reporting approach for complex transactions.
Serve as a technical resource on revenue recognition including grants and contributions accounting, ensuring revenue is recognized in compliance with ASC 606 and ASC 958, and donor restrictions are properly tracked and reported.
Coordinate external audit activities including preparing PBC schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring work papers are audit ready.
Assist with preparation and review of IRS Form 990s, coordinating closely with external tax preparers to ensure accuracy and timely filing.
Perform and document internal control assessments; identify gaps, recommend improvements, and support remediation efforts.