Financial Accounting and Budget Specialist

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Financial Accounting and Budget Specialist at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

POSITION PURPOSE

Under general direction, perform moderately complex financial accounting, budgeting and reporting functions. Assist in the development and coordination of financial and administrative activities to ensure continued efficient operation of a large department in a School, College, Division or Center/Institute of the University.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

- Provide financial support to several departments within C&IT including financial reporting and problem resolution in regard to budget, accounting, vendor quotations and payment, financial projections and journal voucher entries.

 

- Prepare financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets and activity reports regarding the financial status of unit projections, programs and other budget allocations. Oversee general ledger account allocations for all expenditures. Develop and maintain special accounting procedures for several complex general fund, designated and/or restricted accounts. 

 

- Prepare budget projections and plans. Compile budget estimates, oversee budget execution and review. Reconcile funds, indexes, and accounts including several complex general funds, designated and revenue accounts. Approve and monitor unit revenues and expenditures. May possess signatory authority.

 

- Prepare adjusting entries and year-end closing activities for review. Project year-end revenues, expendituries and deficits based on information provided by department administrators and upper management. Perform calculations for management such as compound interest owed, payroll projection, expense and payroll accrual adjustments. 

 

- Prepare a wide array of statistical and administrative reports, summaries and questionnaires regarding department and/or division activities. Develop financial reports for University wide/funded development projects such as EPAF, HR Encumbrance, Windstar, etc. Utilize administrative systems, including FMS, HRMS, PPS, GBS, etc. Prepare detailed proposals; create specialized reports utilizing Cognos, Access and Excel; prepare routine and ad-hoc financial reports and analysis.

 

- Research and analyze data for internal and external clients. Identify financial descrepancies and resolve client inquires. Create, organize and maintain files using database and spreadsheet programs. 

 

- Track and maintain maintenance contract renewals which may include some cost negotiations with vendors. Coordinate vendor renewal and price quote process for hardware and software maintenance contracts.

 

- Provide functional supervision and train and instruct on methods and procedures. Provide direction to professional staff in department on methods and procedures.

 

- Perform related work as assigned.

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This classification level requires specialized skills and financial accounting experience to perform moderately complex financial responsibilities for a large department. Position incumbents are primarily responsible for providing financial support to their assigned unit within established guidelines, policy and regulations as well as improving the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems and methods of operation. This classification reports to and receives direction from a management level classification.

 

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

- Graduation from an accredited college or university supplemented by coursework in business administration, accounting or related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

 

- Considerable knowledge of accounting or finance practices or principles.

 

- Project management experience.

 

- Considerable knowledge of and experience with University programs and computing systems (FMS/BAR, HRS, PPS and GBS).

 

- Ability to establish and meet deadlines, work under extreme pressure and function independently.

 

- Strong leadership, analytic and problem resolutions abilities.

 

- Excellent oral and/or written communication skills.

 

- Ability to communicate effectively with others.

 

School/College/Division:

H25 - Computing & Info Technology

Primary department:

H2510 - Administrative and Finance

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Salary minimum: N/A
• Salary hire maximum: $69,352

 

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.