Accountant

Summary

Job Category:
Accounting
Job Title:
Accountant
Job Category Definition:
This specialty covers the process of identifying, recording, measuring, classifying, verifying, summarizing, interpreting and communicating financial information including assets, liabilities, income and expenditures. Functions may include: payroll, taxation, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, auditing, fixed assets and procedures.
Job Title Definition:
The Accountant oversees the auditing and accounting functions, and related analysis and reconciliation of financial transactions; examines, investigates, audits and reviews records, reports, financial statements, information systems, and management practices to ensure compliance with regulations and policies and efficient and effective operations; prepares various accounting statements and financial reports for use by the University and external users, including auditors; develops and implements procedures to ensure uniform accounting practices, internal controls, and compliance with federal, state or local regulations and University policy; performs calculating, posting and verifying duties of financial data; conducts cost accounting, including indirect cost analysis; facilitates and coordinates cost control procedures; forecasts, prepares, and monitors budget preparation; advises and assists students, parents, outside entities, granting agencies and organizations, and other University departments; analyzes, develops, and implements accounting and financial systems; oversees the input and flow of financial transactions, ensuring accuracy. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:
Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:

 

Levels

Level 1  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ACAC0201 G Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience

0+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Perform basic analysis of accounting records for accuracy and completeness
  • Research and solve basic accounting problems
  • Review proper classification and coding of income and expenditures
  • May perform audit field work based on audit plans
  • Ensure accuracy and compliance with University procedures in general accounting practices, budgets and insurance policies
  • May oversee adherence to proper cash handling procedures and approve special requests for checks
  • Prepare documentation, including invoices, financial reports, expenditure forecasts and cost management reports
  • Process, update and maintain various accounting documents in accordance with University policies and procedures
  • Reconcile, review and approve various accounting records and transactions
  • Make corrections to various databases as appropriate
  • Generate standard and custom financial documents and reports
  • Calculate revenue, expenditure and budget transactions
  • Perform various basic reconciliation functions
  • Provide information to customers about University policies and procedures or make referrals as necessary
  • Coordinate accounting-related mailings and compose correspondence
  • Assist with the development of new customer service initiatives
  • Direct the work of and train part-time and/or temporary employees

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ACAC0202 H Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience

2+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Analyze accounting records for accuracy and completeness
  • Research and resolve accounting problems and/or discrepancies
  • Oversee proper classification and coding of income and expenditures
  • May oversee audit field work based on audit plans
  • Assist in analyzing trends of financial records
  • Assist in calculation of various departmental and University rates
  • Analyze expenditures charged for appropriateness and compliance within each individual requirements (such as research contracts and other various general accounts)
  • Work with federal, state, private and internal auditors
  • Recommend changes in workflows, procedures and processes
  • Conduct financial analysis of projects and prepare special reports
  • Oversee and monitor accounting processes, schedules and databases
  • Ensure the accurate and timely processing of transactions and reports
  • Perform various complex reconciliation functions
  • May train and supervise assigned staff

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 3  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ACAC0203 I Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience

4+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Analyze accounting records for accuracy and completeness
  • Research and resolve complex accounting problems and/or discrepancies
  • Oversee proper classification and coding of income and expenditures
  • Analyze trends of financial records
  • Calculate various departmental and University rates
  • May analyze data to develop audit plans
  • May assess the level of risk in the operation under audit
  • Evaluate the soundness and adequacy of accounting, financial and other operating controls, ensuring obligations are met
  • Review and resolve appeals against written requirements and recommend action
  • Serve as liaison to unit offices, program sponsors, program managers, Principal Investigators and all levels of management
  • Coordinate the accounting closing to include processing of external required documentation and all required forms
  • Review final expenditure amounts with units
  • Notify units of project terminations
  • Supervise accounting processes, schedules and databases; which may include a function or administrative area
  • May serve as liaison with external agencies and auditors
  • Monitor accounts for accurate allocation of expenses
  • Perform annual reconciliation functions
  • Review, identify and resolve systems and procedural problems
  • Take necessary action to resolve customer problems or discrepancies
  • Supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 4  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ACAC0204 J Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

6+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Perform advanced analysis of complex accounting records and interpret analytical results
  • Research and resolve complex accounting problems and/or discrepancies
  • Perform advanced trend analysis of financial records and interpret analytical results
  • May calculate various departmental and University rates
  • May analyze data to develop audit plans
  • Assist in the interface on government (federal/state) audit reviews and coordinate the exchange of cost data within the University
  • Interpret University and sponsor regulations to ensure that pertinent information is disseminated to appropriate University offices and ensure compliance and contractual obligations are met; assist with the interpretation of tax Treaties and IRS regulations
  • Ensure all accounting processes are functioning accurately
  • Correspond with all areas of the University and client and/or business contacts concerning University policies and procedures and general billing questions
  • Develop and produce reports in order to keep management updated on the financial and contractual status of all projects
  • Analyze proposals and budgets to develop alternative scenarios and maintain control of payments to include close-out procedures of subcontracts awarded to outside agencies
  • Oversee departmental website
  • Oversee the implementation of internal controls, accounting principles, policies and regulations
  • Perform advanced and complex reconciliation functions
  • Recommend and coordinate systems and procedural changes
  • Recommend and develop new customer service initiatives
  • Liaison between University and various outside entities
  • Supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 5  

Level Details
Job Code Salary Band FLSA Status
ACAC0205 K Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience

8+ years related experience

Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
  • Supervise advanced and complex analysis of accounting records and make recommendations based on analytical results
  • Oversee the implementation of complex accounting solutions
  • Perform advanced trend analysis of financial records and make recommendations based on analytical results
  • Calculate various departmental and University rates
  • Analyze data to develop audit plans
  • Approve activities, justify disallowances and negotiate with outside auditors
  • Confer with contract negotiators on contract problems and resolve accordingly
  • Provide consultation to various parties to ensure University policies and procedures adequately address risks and provide controls to mitigate risks
  • Act as the principal staff auditor with the investigation into possible fraud, waste, abuse and other various issues that may arise
  • Administer and /or supervise specific University programs following internal and/or outside requirements and guidelines
  • Provide overall administration of the income and expense budgets as well as analyze costs expenditures
  • Prepare special reports in support of short- and long-range operational and budgetary planning and provide information to various federal, state and external agencies
  • Determine appropriate application of accounting principles, internal controls, policies and regulations
  • May supervise records processes
  • Oversee complex and advanced reconciliation functions
  • Implement and coordinate systems and procedural changes
  • Provide information to customer about University policies and procedures
  • Analyze and review customer accounts concerning balances, charges, fees, and adjustments
  • Compose correspondence and take necessary action to resolve problems or discrepancies
  • Oversee the implementation of new customer service initiatives
  • Oversee the networking between University and outside entities as it relates to a variety of issues
  • Negotiate terms of agreement with outside entities
  • Supervise and train assigned staff, and provide input to their performance evaluation

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.