Accountant

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Accounting Services supports University financial operations by maintaining central administrative systems, performing investment accounting functions and performing other accounting and related duties. The units within the Accounting Services department are:

-Cash Management, including Merchant Card Services.
-Construction and General Accounting.
-Financial Accounting.

Hybrid: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

This Accountant position is responsible for overseeing sophisticated accounting framework of university financial accounting system (PeopleSoft) with in-depth knowledge of system design. This position performs analysis of account structure in PeopleSoft and updates chart of accounts to meet financial reporting needs and provide sufficient flexibility to allow for development of financial statements for external reporting, as well as internal reporting for university campus units, central and foundation offices. This position applies in-depth accounting knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), develops accounting treatment and resolution for complex and unique issues and implements COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission's) internal control over university accounting system and operations. This position operates in a fast-paced environment, assimilates, organizes complex accounting tasks, such as review of complex journal entries, interpretation and analysis of financial data and reconciliation of general ledger accounts. This position manages large volume transactions, identifies changing requirements regarding fiscal procedures and management needs, provides accounting guidance and consultation to campus leadership while meeting multiple monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines. This position requires extensive collaboration with campus finance areas and central offices on accounting issues and best practices. This position prepares financial statements and ad hoc reporting requests from senior leadership.

Responsibilities include:

Approve and establish new chartfield Sources for institutional trust funds (maintain over 8,000 Sources with over $5.5 Billion total Fund Balance).
Create and update financial accounting models and standard templates for use by campus departments.
Apply GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) knowledge, advanced accounting concepts, and organizational objectives to resolve complex accounting issues.
Perform comprehensive reconciliations, review complex journal entries submitted from units and approve for posting.
Analyze accounting data to ensure proper accounting procedures are followed. Recommend actions to be taken by management when data discloses unfavorable trends.
Compile trial balances, financial reports and ad hoc analyses as requested by management.
Demonstrate and apply in-depth understanding and working knowledge of COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission's) internal control framework and collaborate with the Internal Control department. Assess risk of internal control and institute changes based on findings.
Reconcile subsidiary ledger accounts to general ledger for month-end close, research and independently resolve variances.
Examine and analyze accounting treatment of new and existing business processes to ensure financial compliance with university policies and procedures, and applicable federal and state rules and regulations.
Work with university Internal Audit and identify areas to improve fiscal responsibility and financial management of trust funds.
Perform annual internal audit for Trust sources that are not actively used. Provide guidance relating to source deactivations.
Troubleshoot PeopleSoft general ledger system issues.
*Develop recommendations for financial management and independently resolve complex and unprecedented accounting issues.

Mid to late-career with Master,s and 2- 4 years experience; Bachelor's and 3-5 years experience.

The selected candidate will have in-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Government accounting standards. Must have experience understanding and applying accounting standards, financial procedures, and processes from initiation to completion. Must also possess in-depth knowledge of PeopleSoft, advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge, excellent analytic and organizational skills, oral and written communication skills, ability to manage priorities and multiple deadlines effectively, and analyzing and resolving complex and unprecedented issues.

A CPA license is not required for the position but would be beneficial.

Advanced experience of Microsoft Excel and Word; excellent customer service and interpersonal skills; experience in collaborating with both internal and external customers such as the university affiliated organizations and auditors. The preferred candidate will have accounting work experience in higher education, high level computer skills, and knowledge of interrelationships among university financial systems.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.