Accountant II-James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences (Multiple Positions)

Please note: Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or have another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) to be ITAR/EAR compliant.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Perform complex accounting assignments for the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, requiring an advanced knowledge of accounting theory and principles and grant management experience.
• Provide specialized analysis support in various accounting functions such as A/R, A/P, Payroll, Cost accounting, and financial forecast. This will include preparing detailed cost accounting information, knowledge and understanding to ensure transactions are processed accurately, complying with UA policies and Sponsored policies, and utilize moderate knowledge to make corrections consulting with business manager on unusual situations.
• Manage accounts and perform monthly reconciliation with analysis of reports/ledgers compared with university systems. These will consist of designated, gift, foundation, state, and other funding sources, ensuring compliance with external sponsors, University of Arizona, University of Arizona Foundation, and governmental policies and regulations from a wide range of federal agencies (NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, etc).
• Prepare budget forecasts and financial statements, analyze financial data to identify trends, and discrepancies.
• Utilize moderate knowledge of UAccess systems to review and monitor account transactions, account budgets, employee payroll and distributions, balances, and account reconciliations. Assist with award close out processes and requirements.
• Analyzing complex financial data and generating reports and transactions in UAcces Financials to ensure that expenditures align with the designated purpose of the funds.
• Review and/or prepare business office documents including Purchase Orders, Reimbursements, PCard purchases, Internal Billings, and edits to Assets. Submit requisitions to set up Purchase Orders with order quotations for specific equipment/research supplies and/or blanket purchase orders. Assist department labs with Purchase Order Amendments as needed. Set up all reoccurring blanket Purchase Orders for the upcoming fiscal year.
• Determine that funds are available for expenditures or requisitions ensuring expenses are posted to proper account. Monitor fund/account balances, and notify appropriate personnel when limits are reached.
• Provide financial analysis to aid in budget planning and resource allocation.
• Monitor and manage outstanding receivables.
• Monitoring cost sharing and effort reporting.
• Manage sub-awards and other procurement contracts related to research or designated projects.
• Track expenditures against allocated budgets.
• Process invoices and payments to vendors, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for departmental and Sponsored Projects accounts, cost projections, and financial analysis.
• Interpret data and point out trends or deviations from standards. Inform department employees of financial violations that have occurred and educate them to avoid future instances.
• Acts as a consultant in the documentation of financial within a specific field of accounting (internal audit, budgets, general accounting, etc). Assist faculty, staff, and students with questions and issues pertaining to policies and procedures.
• Prepare special reports/projects as requested. Maintain and archive transaction files.
• Trains, mentors, and shares knowledge with student workers and lower-level support staff.
• Serves as a liaison with internal and external auditors and helps prepare audit materials and assisting with inventory and audits requests.
• While reviewing accounts, assess the benefits and risks of expenditures, and prepare comprehensive report of findings for management's review and evaluation.
• Other special projects can be assigned at the request of the supervisor.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with others.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team.
• Ability to work in a deadline driven environment.
• Solid working knowledge of UAccess Financials, Employee, and Analytics.
• Knowledge and understanding of University procurement policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of UA Foundation policies and procedures.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or have another protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) to be ITAR/EAR compliant.