College Accountant

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Position Title:College Accountant
Job Category:Academic Staff
Employment Type:Regular
Job Profile:Accountant II
Job Duties:
The College Accountant provides professional accounting, financial reporting, budget monitoring, and financial analysis support for the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS). Reporting to the Divisional Finance Officer, this position serves as a financial resource to College leadership, including the Dean, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, and other College personnel.
The College Accountant prepares and analyzes recurring and ad hoc financial reports; monitors budgets and financial activity; performs reconciliations; prepares accounting adjustments, costing allocations, payroll accounting adjustments, and journal entries; and assists with budget development, projections, and fiscal-year activities. The position reviews financial information for accuracy and completeness, researches discrepancies, recommends or initiates corrective action, and assists College leadership in understanding the financial status of College resources.
This position works collaboratively with the CEAS Research Accountant and other College and University financial personnel. The College Accountant is cross-trained in research accounting functions and provides backup support for sponsored-project financial activities as needed.
Key Job Responsibilities:Financial Reporting, Analysis, and Reconciliation — 35%
Prepare and distribute recurring monthly financial reports for the College and its departments and programs.
Analyze financial activity, balances, commitments, and trends and communicate significant findings to the Divisional Finance Officer and appropriate College leadership.
Perform reconciliations of accounts, financial transactions, and supporting records to ensure the accuracy and completeness of College financial information.
Research discrepancies, unusual transactions, accounting errors, and other financial issues and determine or recommend appropriate corrective action.
Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses to support the Dean, Associate Deans, Department Chairs, Divisional Finance Officer, and other College decision-makers.
Assist in developing and improving financial reporting tools, processes, and documentation.
Maintain appropriate documentation supporting accounting transactions, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Budget Monitoring, Planning, and Forecasting — 25%
Assist the Divisional Finance Officer with development, monitoring, and management of College and departmental budgets.
Monitor budget-to-actual results, available balances, commitments, and spending patterns throughout the fiscal year.
Prepare projections and forecasts of revenues, expenditures, payroll, and fund balances.
Identify potential budget concerns, funding shortfalls, unusual variances, or opportunities to better utilize available resources and communicate findings to the Divisional Finance Officer.
Assist College leadership with understanding budgets, financial reports, available resources, and the financial implications of operational decisions.
Support annual budget development, fiscal-year close, carryforward analysis, and other periodic financial planning activities.
Assist with tracking and analysis of College funding commitments and other financial obligations.
Accounting Transactions and Financial Operations — 30%
Prepare and process journal entries, accounting corrections, transfers, and other financial transactions in accordance with University policies and procedures.
Prepare costing allocations and payroll accounting adjustments to ensure salary and fringe benefit expenses are charged appropriately.
Review financial transactions and accounting classifications for accuracy, appropriate funding, and compliance with University policies and procedures.
Research and resolve accounting, funding, payroll, and financial-system issues in collaboration with appropriate College and University personnel.
Assist with month-end, year-end, and other periodic accounting activities.
Support the Divisional Finance Officer in maintaining effective financial processes and internal controls within the College.
Provide accounting guidance and assistance to College faculty and staff regarding financial transactions, reports, policies, and procedures.
Cross-Functional Support and Special Projects — 10%
Cross-train with the CEAS Research Accountant and provide backup for sponsored-project accounting activities, including routine grant financial reporting, reconciliations, accounting adjustments, and related transactions as needed.
Collaborate with the Research Accountant to ensure consistent accounting practices across sponsored and non-sponsored College funds.
Participate in College and University financial initiatives, system implementations, process improvements, and special projects.
Develop documentation and provide guidance or training to College personnel on financial processes and systems.
Perform other accounting, budgeting, and financial management duties as assigned.
Department:
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 146 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UWM celebrates, values and promotes the diverse voices and experiences of its students and employees and our community partners. We believe diversity enriches and strengthens our institution. UWM is committed to providing equitable access to opportunities for students and employees from every background. We aspire to create a campus climate that is welcoming to all. Learn more here: https://uwm.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/about-dei/
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and standard accounting practices.
Ability to analyze financial information, identify discrepancies and trends, and develop appropriate recommendations.
Ability to prepare accurate financial reports, reconciliations, journal entries, and other accounting documentation.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and meet recurring financial deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Ability to interpret and apply financial policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a financial management team.
Strong customer-service, problem-solving, and interpersonal ski
Compensation:
$75,000 - $80,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)
Required Qualifications:
Associate degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.