Accountant Special Projects – Senior Specialist

Accountant Special Projects – Senior Specialist Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Accountant Special Projects – Senior Specialist at its Detroit campus location. 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.

• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education Bachelor''s degree.
• Bachelor''s degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Experience 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 procedures in a large and complex environment.

• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Keen ability to make valid and reliable evaluation of information with demonstrated attention to detail sufficient to consistently achieve high degrees of accuracy and/or desired results.
• Learning Agility:
  Independent and innovative self-starter who can display an ability to learn rapidly and adapt quickly to changing situations.
• Teamwork:
  Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and central units; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
• Technology
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient in the use of complex financial management system software and similar analytical and reporting tool