Job Description
Finance Planning and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial planning analytical and budgeting functions for the University of Washington including:
Finance Stewardship & Operations
Institutional Analytics & Decision Support
Budget Policy & Strategy
University Business Services
Reporting to the Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director the Senior Accountant serves as a strategic accounting advisor to campus stakeholders and central administrative unitsprovidingauthoritative guidance on complex and technical accounting matters. The roleis responsible forthe execution of specific month-end and year-end close activities including the preparation and review of journal entries accruals and account reconciliations and may provide leadership and mentorship to junior accounting professionals.
In addition the Senior Accountant leads specific advanced financial accounting and external reporting functions for the institution ensuring full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and applicable federal regulations. This position manages highly complex accounting activities including the preparation of specialized external reports such as the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) Section 117 Foreign Gifts and Contracts Report and the National Science Foundations Foreign Financial Disclosure Report and plays a key role in supporting Single Audit requirements and other regulatory filings.
Dutes & Responsibilities:
Accounting and Analysis
Interpret and apply complex GAAP GASB and federal regulatory requirements to non-routine high-risk transactions requiring significant professional judgment and documentation
Lead the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for all federal research activity ensuring completeness accuracy and compliance and supporting inclusion in the Universitys and Statesconsolidatedfinancial statements subject to annual audit
Perform advanced financial analysis reconciliations and issue corrective journal entries across multiple systems and Workday companies to resolve non-compliant items and ensure the integrity of institutional financial records
Prepare and review complex schedules and adjustments for annual financial statement preparation including incoming funds accounts receivable and sponsored program activity
Reconcile data across multiple accounting and reporting systems to produceaccuratemonthly quarterly and annual financial reports under strict reporting deadlines
Enterprise Accounting Support
Serve as the primary institutional accounting resource for campus stakeholders including Shared Environments (SEs) Deans Offices and departmental leadershipprovidingauthoritative guidance on complex accounting and reporting matters
Collaborate with campus partners tooptimizethe use of Workday whileestablishingandmaintainingstrong accounting practices aligned with internal policies GAAP GASB standards and federal regulatory requirements
Translate highly technical accounting standards audit requirements and regulatory guidance into clear actionable direction for non-accounting stakeholders
Support institution-wide audits and regulatory reviews including Single Audit activities by coordinating documentation responding to auditor inquiries and resolving findings
Promote consistent application of accounting policies reporting standards and internal controls across a decentralized operating environment balancing compliance risk management and operational needs
Process Improvement & Project Support
Lead and support initiatives to strengthen accounting processes internal controls andreportingaccuracy in a complex and evolving regulatory environment
Support the Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICOFR) strategic plan
Lead initiatives to updatemaintain and govern the institutional accounting policy manual ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory requirements accounting standards and best practices
Evaluate and reconcile workflows and data across disparate systems toidentifyinefficiencies control gaps or compliance risks and implement sustainable improvements
Drive continuous improvement by recommending best practices that enhance efficiency transparency and audit readiness
Requirements:
Bachelors degree in Accountingor related field and CPA Certified Public Accountant (CPA); active or recently lapse within 6 months of application and 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience featuring substantial leadership roles in higher education or large-scale organizations
Demonstratedexpertisein external financial reporting audit management and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations
Advanced accounting knowledge includingexpertisein GAAP GASB Uniform Guidance (UG) and state accounting standards (SAAM)
Experienced in Internal Controls & Risk Management with an ability to design and implement ICOFR frameworks and monitor compliance
Skilled in creating andmaintaininginstitutional accounting policies and manuals
Advanced analytical andproblem solvingskillset with an ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to institutional processes
Ability toinitiateclear professional communication with senior executives auditors Deans Offices andleadsof other units
Proficiencyin Excel pivot tables VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and data visualization for financial analysis as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word PowerPoint) SharePoint Teams and other documentation and collaboration tools
Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups andteams;create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPB
Desired:
Experience with Workday Financials
Strong understanding of Single Audit/SEFA requirements and Section 117/NSF disclosure reporting
Compensation Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$96960.00 annualPay Range Maximum:
$113004.00 annualOther Compensation:
-Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position visit Shift (United States of America)Temporary or Regular
This is a regular positionFTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not ApplicableAbout the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Required Experience:
Senior IC