Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30100

Summary

Incumbents in the Accountant series maintain and reconcile ledgers and accounts according to generally accepted accounting principles. Incumbents prepare and analyze financial information and prepare reports and financial statements based upon the analysis performed.  

Distinguishing Characteristics 

The Accountant Senior is distinguished from the Accountant in that incumbents in the Senior level are expected to possess the knowledge and experience to analyze, interpret, and resolve more complex problems and to complete more technical duties. Additionally, this classification has increased responsibility to train and oversee staff. 

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Accountant Senior reports to a Director or Manager.  This classification may train and guide the work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work.  

Typical Functions

1. Analyzes and monitors budgets and expenditures for compliance with fiscal accountability and reporting requirements.  
2. Completes cost analyses. 
3. Reviews and prepares journal entries. 
4. Reconciles journal entries, monetary transfers, and inventory control procedures. 
5. Prepares financial reports and monitors reports for accuracy and completeness. 
6. Resolves basic accounting discrepancies. 
7. Interacts with departments and colleges as assigned. 
8. Prepares invoices to outside agencies and oversees collection of funds owed. 
9. Reviews, analyzes, and verifies accuracy and completeness before approving entries and requests processed by campus personnel. 
10. Reviews new index and organization code requests, assigns numbers, and sets up accounts in Banner. 
11. Administers the filing of sales tax to the State of Utah. Reviews the data collected and files tax reports to the state. 
12. Compiles and reviews award and grant contracts. 
13. Resolves issues related to proper accounting and proper charges on grants and contracts. 
14. Analyzes complex financial data and reports the results and possible implications to the requester in order to make sound business decisions. 
15. Makes recommendations regarding departmental accounting policies and procedures. 
16. Performs year end processing and preparation of financial statements. 
17. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Proficient in spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications.  
2. Knowledge of federal and state regulations and University financial policies and procedures. 
3. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and/or projections. 
4. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures. 
5. Ability to set up and maintain financial accounts and ledgers. 
6. Ability to work independently and prioritize workload. 
7. Knowledge of financial software tools to quantify and illustrate routine financial reports, statements, and/or projections. 
8. Skilled with balancing and reconciling accounts.  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus four years of experience or equivalent education plus experience is required.   

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. 

Disclaimer

This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.