What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant III position at University of Wisconsin- River Falls?
Posting Details
Position Information
UW - System Position Title
Accountant III
Business Title
Senior Accountant
Major Department Code
Accounting/Accounts Payable (J020100)
Appointment Type
Academic Staff-Fixed Term Renewable
FLSA Status
Exempt
FTE (Percentage of Appointment)
100
Typical Working Schedule
7:45 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday
Hybrid or On Campus
Hybrid
Position Summary
This position plays an essential role in managing financial transactions and ensuring the accuracy of the accounting operations. Will coordinate with the budget office to develop and continuously manage complex budgets.
The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting background, a passion for creating processes, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with repetitive tasks. Looking for someone with high attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and self-confidence who can provide decision-making assessments to the College Dean. Has an aptitude for collaborating and offering excellent customer service, while communicating clear and concise financial information to stakeholders. This person will be a valued resource for others in their department/unit.
Primary accounting functions will be within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). Providing leadership and guidance in all aspects of financial management, budget, and forecasting.
The Universities of Wisconsin are transitioning to Workday for all financial recording and reporting. This individual will play a primary role in training and being a dedicated resource in creating a successful and smooth transition for the business unit.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
- Leads and executes financial statement development, organization, preparation, and reporting.
- Performs accounting and auditing reconciliations, journal entries, and reporting to guarantee a timely month-end close.
- Prepares and analyzes financial reports, reviews data integrity, identifies discrepancies, investigates, and recommends solutions as needed.
- Ensure compliance with all accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Collaborates with finance and budget personnel to ensure smooth financial operations.
- Offer strategies and process improvements to the College Dean, incorporating strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
- Develops and manages multi-unit budgets, analyzing funding sources and operational needs. Maximizing the use of resources is an integral part of the budget planning team.
- Forecasts budget balances and financial commitments; recommending corrective action as needed.
- Participates in developing, maintaining, and monitoring automated financial information systems.
- Answers questions and provides accounting-related information to internal and external stakeholders according to established policies and procedures.
- Supports grant-related activity within the college working with the post-award grant accountant by providing financial updates and reports on grants.
Facilitates training and provides financial guidance to faculty and staff.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business-related field from an accredited institution.
- Experience using financial software packages (e.g. PeopleSoft, Workday, or other enterprise software).
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
- Excellent analytical, research, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Proven ability to safeguard confidential documents and sensitive information.
- Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret complex data to identify and recommend program improvements and opportunities for simplification of processes.
- Comprehensive interpersonal and communication skills.
Preferred:
- Demonstrate ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- A working knowledge of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), automated accounting system processes, operations, and reporting principles.
- Background in Agriculture related fields
- Experience using Workday
- Demonstrated success in managing, supporting, and motivating staff.
- Ability to develop best practices to support the university’s education, research, vision, values, and mission.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
AAF01018
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
01/30/2025
Closing Date
Applicant Review Date
02/14/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:
- Resume
- Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Briana Bechel
Briana Bechel
Search Chair
briana.bechel@uwrf.edu
Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before February 13, 2025.
Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
Legal Notices
EEO/AA Statement
UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran or military status. All persons, especially women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
Title IX Notice
As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see uwrf.edu/titleIX.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.
Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per UW System Administrative Policy 1275.
Other Notices
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
