Sr Accountant

Performs complex accounting tasks such as preparing financial statements including balance sheets, cash flow statements and IRS reports. Reviews and analyzes general ledger account balances. Provides guidance to lower level accounting personnel.

Responsibilities

The following information is intended to be representative of the essential functions that are performed by incumbents in this classification, and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific task, or function will not preclude it from the class if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of class responsibilities.

1. Prepares University financial statements and reports, such as cash flow statements, pro forma reports, exception reports and IRS required reports.

2. Drafts financial statements for University and University units that are subject to independent audit. Acts as a liaison between University management and auditors to facilitate resolution of issues.

3. Prepares budget reports for departments within KUED -TV.

4. Prepares month-end journal entries for KUED and KUER activities.

5. Reconciles University accounts to University books and identifies variances so that corrections can be made.

6. Reconciles external financial data with University data and resolves discrepancies.

7. Generates and loads externally created journals into accounting system. Edits and corrects journals.

8. Reviews large transactions for accuracy, sufficient funding and proper approvals.

9. Reallocates and reconciles monthly purchasing card statements.

10. Coordinates data entry of annual salary budgets for KUED -TV; includes performing and supervising data entry. Makes sure budgeted salaries fall within University guidelines.

11. Interprets policies and recommends internal controls.

12. Oversees reconciliation of several KUED accounts.

13. Reviews and approves in USHOP purchasing documents and invoices.

14. Supervises or provides guidance to lower level accountants.

15. Supervises accountant responsible for local production/facility reports and property reconciling duties; accounting specialists responsible for payroll, accounts receivable and account reconciling duties; and associate accountant responsible for accounts payable and account reconciling duties.

16. Coordinates with department managers to resolve budgeting problems.

17. Reviews requisitions prepared to purchase Capital and Insurable Equipment.

18. Assists client departments with year-end closing to ensure adjustments and accruals are properly recorded

19. Assists in the preparation of annual audit and financial reports.

20. Coordinates with department managers to complete annual SABS report

21. Spot checks income binders and check log for internal control compliance.

22. Writes queries and macros, and develops department databases.

23. Checks payroll summaries against management reports for accuracy.

24. Serves as accounting liaison for assigned departments. Answers questions, corrects errors, resolves accounting related issues and provides financial or other information as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to interpret and apply Federal and State fiscal regulations.

2. Ability to analyze and correct financial problems and bookkeeping errors.

3. Ability to prepare interpretive or analytical accounting or financial statements and reports.

4. Knowledge of governmental accounting methods, procedures, and financial practices.

5. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public or departmental personnel.

PROBLEM SOLVING

The Senior Accountant applies accounting standards, state laws and regulations, and University policies and procedures to specific situations and interprets these regulations and principles for others. He or she also advises others on accounting for non-standard transactions.

Challenges encountered by employees in this position include communicating effectively with various University departments as well as different departments at KUED -TV, KUER -FM and Utah Education Tele-Health Network. Reports prepared must be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and federal, state and University policies and procedures.

AUTHORITY / ACCOUNTABILITY

The Senior Accountant has the authority to independently plan and prioritize projects and to conduct research and take the necessary corrective actions. The incumbent has the authority to advise client departments on accounting issues.

This position has the authority to analyze, document and report the financial stability or instability of accounts using generally accepted accounting principles. Day-to-day work is performed independently by following established procedures and regulations. Assignments are received with general instructions on desired results but without specific instruction on methods. This position supervises an accountant and two accounting specialists.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Sr. Accountant reports to the KUED Associate Director. The KUED Associate Director reports to the KUED General Manager.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

DISCLAIMER

This job description has been designed to indicate 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 inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field or equivalency, plus two years professional accounting experience. Also required are a thorough knowledge of established accounting principles and practices, knowledge of accounting software, advanced spreadsheet skills, the ability to write queries and macros and demonstrated analytical, problem solving, human relations and effective communication skills.

Certifications as a Certified Public Accountant may be preferred for certain positions.

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