Accountant Senior

Date Revised: 09/18/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Accountant Senior

Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30100

Salary Grade: H

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 III in that incumbents in the senior level perform advanced accounting of a complex nature, have increased supervisory responsibilities and oversee a major functional area (e.g. Sponsored Programs, College Accounting, Payroll, Plant & Equipment, etc.) of the University accounting and financial systems.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Accountant Senior reports to the Controller. This classification oversees 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.9. May compile and review award and grant contracts.10. Reviews new index and new organizational requests, assigns numbers, and sets up accounts in

Banner.11. Analyzes complex financial data and reports the results and possible implications to the

requester in order to make sound business decisions.12. Directs year end processing and preparation of financial statements.

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Accountant Senior

Date Revised: 09/18/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

13. Makes recommendations regarding departmental accounting policies and procedures.14. Ensures compliance in executing, analyzing, verifying, and reporting transactions of a fiscal

nature.15. May serve as a project leader on special assignments. 16. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Proficient in spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications. 2. Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices within area of accounting

specialty.3. Knowledge of federal and state regulations and University financial policies and procedures.4. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and/or

projections.5. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.6. Ability to set up and maintain financial accounts and ledgers.7. Ability to work independently and prioritize workload.8. Knowledge of financial software tools to quantify and illustrate routine financial reports,

statements, and/or projections.9. Skilled with balancing and reconciling accounts.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus six 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.

Fundamental Abilities

Within the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, each incumbent is expected to possess and demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Communicating : Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing. 2. Problem solving : Analyzes information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve

problems. 3. Monitoring : Measures performance of self; makes improvements and takes appropriate

corrective action.

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Accountant Senior

Date Revised: 09/18/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

4. Critical Thinking : Comes to well-reasoned conclusions, solutions, and approaches to problems.5. Team Building : Works to create a team-based environment. Consistently demonstrates

cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers.6. Active Listening : Gives full attention when others are speaking; listens to understand, asks

questions as appropriate, and does not interrupt.7. Service Orientation : Actively seeks opportunities to help others.8. Conflict Resolution : Acts professionally when encountering customers who, at times, may be

frustrated or threatening.

Core Characteristics

As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:

1.

2. Take initiative3. Maintain confidentiality.4. Be accountable.5. Behave ethically.6. Be honest and trustworthy.7. Demonstrate a strong work ethic.

8. Be inquisitive.9. Be detail oriented.10. Be self-motivated.11. Efficiently manage multiple tasks.12. Be a team player.13. Be committed to improving USU.

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.

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Accountant Senior

Date Revised: 09/18/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

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