Budget Accountant

Current Employees:

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Budget Accountant

Academic Staff

Regular

Accountant III

The Budget Accountant is responsible for performing advanced accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting functions that support the University's fiscal operations and strategic financial planning. This position develops, monitors, and manages complex budgets across multiple funding sources; prepares financial reports, forecasts, and budget projections; analyzes financial data and trends; and ensures compliance with University of Wisconsin System policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and applicable regulations.

As a key member of the Accounting Services team, the Budget Accountant partners with campus departments to provide expert guidance on budget development, financial management, reporting, and policy interpretation. The position develops and maintains internal controls, identifies opportunities to improve financial processes and operational efficiencies, and delivers data-driven analysis and recommendations that support sound financial stewardship and informed decision‑making across the University.

• Own and manage complex departmental and institutional budgets involving multiple funding sources, programs, and financial commitments, ensuring fiscal stewardship, budget integrity, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, journal entries, reconciliations, schedules, and complex financial reports to ensure accurate recording, reporting, and compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Prepare annual operating budgets, financial forecasts, and short- and long-term budget projections; analyze trends and provide recommendations to support strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Serve as a financial resource to campus departments by providing guidance on budgeting, accounting practices, financial reporting, policy interpretation, and training related to financial processes.
• Collaborate with Accounting Services, the Controller’s Office, and campus partners to improve financial operations, enhance reporting capabilities, and support institutional financial planning initiatives.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to a variety of stakeholders
• Conduct budget and program analyses; identify discrepancies, research issues, recommend solutions, and provide timely financial information to support decision‑making.
• Develop, document, and maintain internal controls, financial procedures, and system processes to ensure data integrity, operational effectiveness, and compliance with University of Wisconsin System policies and applicable regulations.
• Perform advanced financial analysis, including reviewing funding sources, operational needs, budget performance, and institutional data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and funding options.

Accounting Services

$64,000-$68,000 annual

Core Hours - 7:45am-4:30pm Monday through Friday

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• Minimum of two years of experience in budgeting, financial analysis, or accounting, in a higher education setting.
• Experience analyzing financial data and preparing reports for management.
• Experience using Workday Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial systems or similar integrated financial management systems.

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and budgeting practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial information to a variety of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience using Workday Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Adaptive budget system or similar integrated budget management systems.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

Empl…