Senior Accountant (Finance)

Department: General Accounting Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.
Description:

The Senior Accountant performs professional accounting work involving the recording, analysis and reporting of financial data in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as well as federal, state and NACUBO guidelines for General Accounting. This position is also responsible for auditing and approving general ledger journal entries from other departments and assists with financial year-end close processes. Performs financial analysis activities in relation to monthly and yearly close and assists with the development of reporting tools, reducing the need for the numerous ad hoc reports currently provided.

Duties:

• Prepares and analyzes monthly and annual financial statements, and assists with ad hoc reporting through PeopleSoft tools or Data warehouse.
• Prepares complex accounting reconciliations and analysis to determine the accuracy of financial data, initiates needed adjustments and corrections, and provides explanations of transactions.
• Researches complex issues and recommends process and operational improvements as needed.
• Ensures all transactions are made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in relation to federal, state and NACUBO guidelines.
• Provides assistance regarding the application of established accounting and operational procedures and requirements to UHCL staff as needed.
• Trains new employees within UHCL Accounting or other campus financial positions, as appropriate.
• Is a key player in year-end close tasks, including preparation and approval of entries and reports; includes annual financial report.
• Manages special projects, process improvements, and problem resolution. Coordinates with other areas and agencies as needed.
• Maintains organized work files and current operating procedures. Stays abreast of current accounting practices and applicable federal, state and UHS System requirements and recommend changes as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in accounting or finance.
2. Minimum seven years of experience in governmental/fund accounting, with financial reporting and operational experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited university in accounting, finance or a business-related field.
• Experience in a higher education setting or governmental accounting utilizing PeopleSoft.
• Experience with Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS) and Hyperion.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of an Enterprise Resource Planning System, preferably PeopleSoft.
• Working knowledge of current accounting practices, procedures, and standards.
• Ability to understand and apply established accounting and operational procedures for complex accounting transactions.
• The knowledge and/or technology used in the job changes periodically; occasional study and training is required.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial and operational data and to understand, apply and comply with applicable federal, state, and university requirements.
• Ability to exercise independent thought and judgment to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to use advanced tools in Microsoft Excel to help analyze data.
• Ability to exercise independent thought and judgment to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding information.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with all levels of university personnel and external customers.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.