Accountant

This position uses good judgement to independently perform general accounting related duties. Monitor accounting transactions at the fund level to assure accuracy of information as it relates to the overall activity of the University. In addition, the position is responsible for making journal entries, correction entries and assisting in the preparation of financial statements, schedules, and exhibits. This position will be responsible for managing various financial services areas, which may include auxiliary services, tax, capital assets, bonds, capital projects, and utility processing.

Job Duties:

General Accounting Duties 70%

• This position uses good judgment to independently perform general accounting related duties.
• Investigates account coding/financial inconsistencies to determine the necessary modifications and make the corrections in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, state regulations, and any grant regulations. Determinations may involve contact with outside departments and funding agencies.
• Reviews accounting records, diagnostics, and on-line detail to verify the accuracy and compliance within the Banner Financial System. Investigates problems, interviews accounting system users to identify sources of errors in accounting transactions, and recommends possible changes in user training to correct source errors. Corrects conflicting data within these funds in Banner as necessary and in accordance with GAAP, state fiscal rules, and regulations established by higher management and funding agency guidelines.
• Ensures that the existing accounting processes assure the integrity of the fiscal data and recommends new processes or procedures as necessary to facilitate the continued integrity of the data.
• Reviews daily and monthly diagnostics, investigates and correct problems by revising the process and/or posting a journal entry.
• Assist and act as backup for other Accountant positions.
• Provide assistance and training to various staff across the University on accounting related policies/procedures.

Financial Statements and Year-End Reporting 15%

• Prepares portions of financial statements and related schedules and exhibits at year end to comply with state and auditor reporting requirements. Includes compilation of information by collecting, identifying, analyzing, and reconciling financial data by using Insight, Excel, Banner, and CORE reports.
• Identifies, researches, and analyzes any discrepancies, prepares the documentation, and journalizes the entries in Banner.
• Miscellaneous items assigned by Controller or Assistant Controller.

Reporting, Training & Special Projects 15%

• Additional projects that require patterned complexity will be assigned as needed to help benefit the department and the University by creating a more strategic approach to improving processes, compliance, and management of various financial service areas.
• Assists individuals and trains departments in the use of Banner and Insight system reports.
• Works with General Accounting and campus to design reports that utilize financial data to improve efficiencies, workflow, and management information.
• Works on special projects/system/report conversions as assigned by supervisor.
• Aids in the implementation of new software and upgrades to current systems.
• Reconciles and maintains the University's capital assets listing and prepares related journal entries.
• Reconciles expenditures in State funded capital projects and prepares documentation for reimbursement. Identifies variances between the University's records and the State's records and prepares any necessary correcting entries.
• Responds to State reporting requests related to projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.

Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible accounting experience which demonstrates the skills and abilities required of the position. Preferred-Experience in higher education or fund accounting, knowledge of SunGard Banner and Web Focus software, and/or information technology system implementation experience.

Must be able to work independently on project based assignments, understand information technology and work with information technology professionals, utilize analytical skills to recommend process improvements, develop financial system improvements cooperatively with both accounting and information technology professionals, as well as with nontechnical employees of the University.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to perform financial analysis using large data sets. Excellent technical and communication skills are required for this position.

Benefits:
Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans for all full-time positions. Employees at UNC receive sick leave, and other leave options may be available based on position. Full-time employees are eligible to receive tuition waiver benefits, as well as dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
The University of Northern Colorado believes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is the pathway to achieving an inclusive community and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. UNC supports the growth of individuals who care about race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion, or physical ability – to honor the intersectionality of our campus. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub to learn more about UNC’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

AAEO Employer
The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.

The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University’s policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University’s Equal Opportunity Policy.

Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.

Background Check
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

Clery Act
In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online. A paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.