Accountant Special Projects – Senior Specialist

Accountant Special Projects – Senior Specialist

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Oversee the recording and verification of financial data in accordance with University policies and procedures. Identify and resolve discrepancies. Perform financial review and analysis. Prepare accurate and timely reports in compliance with established procedures and regulatory guidelines. Provide project oversight and review related work that is directed to accounting staff. Manage significant and complex assignments. Play a significant role in specific aspects of the overall operations of General Accounting including the fiscal closing activities.

This position reports into the Assistant Vice President and Controller, Fiscal Operations.

Manage significant and complex assignments, with minimal assistance from direct supervisor. Serve as a seasoned accounting professional in the application of theory and principles of accounting to maintain and enhance University accounting practices and reporting. Play a primary role in the analysis, implementation, and maintenance of financial reporting changes (GASB pronouncements, etc.).

Prepare, analyze, and reconcile financial transactions and reports to verify accuracy and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, university policies and procedures, divisional objectives, and external grant, contract, and governmental requirements. Identify and research discrepancies and prepare necessary corrections. Play a critical role in the planning and coordination of the year-end close process and serve as a liaison to the external auditors.

Oversee internal and external financial reporting requirements. Compile and analyze financial information in conjunction with preparing financial statements and supporting schedules. Ensure that financial reporting deadlines are met and financial records are maintained in compliance with prevailing policies and procedures.

Manage workflow and assignments, train, and oversee select lower-level accounting staff and support staff, including but not limited to coordinating and reviewing their assigned tasks.

Assist with the development and enhancement of accounting policies and procedures. Review, monitor and maintain appropriate internal controls over finance transactions making recommendations and proposing changes as necessary and required.

Participate in computer system testing and development. Provide information on system requirements; create and run test data; note errors to be corrected; recommend changes as appropriate. Understand and evaluate interaction between new system enhancements and current computing capabilities.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Job

Reports to:

Vice President/AVP/Dean.

Supervisory Accountability:
Supervises professionals and non-managers.

Customer Accountability:
Interfaces with regulatory authorities.

Freedom to Act:
Subject to general input from supervisor.

Bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field from an accredited college or university.

Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience).

Prior experience with operations and procedures in a large and complex accounting operation. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products, primarily Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Extensive experience using Banner administrative systems preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles with emphasis on fund accounting and GASB implementations.

Reasonable knowledge and understanding of University policies and procedures or policies and…