Senior Accountant

Posting Details

Posting Number NC00142P Quick Link for Position https://jobs.uafs.edu/postings/1767 Working Title Senior Accountant Position Number Department Finance, Payroll, and Accounting About the University

For more than 6,000 students each semester, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a dynamic and diverse learning community with a student-centered approach focused on the success of the individual. Small class sizes combine with innovative, hands-on learning and research experiences alongside expert faculty to ensure students receive a future-focused education at the most affordable tuition rate in the state. The university has undergone significant changes since its founding in 1928 and now offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students for success in the global workforce. UAFS is one of 21 academic institutions and affiliates governed by the University of Arkansas System.

The second-largest city in the state, Fort Smith is located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley. Established in 1817 as a frontier military post, Fort Smith is now a vibrant and growing city featuring a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options, including a thriving downtown arts and entertainment district. Outdoors enthusiasts will appreciate the Natural State’s plentiful trails, mountains, forests, parks, and waterways, both within city limits and throughout the surrounding area. The city is also within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Memphis.

The UAFS campus is comprised of 77 buildings and facilities located on 170 beautifully manicured acres and crowned with the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. Students who choose to live on campus may do so in one of two residence hall complexes, complete with a full-service dining center, or the on-campus apartment complex for married students and upperclassmen. Campus involvement is encouraged by participation in more than 100 registered student organizations, which includes academic societies, a dynamic Greek life system, intramural sports, and cultural/special interest groups. The UAFS Lions compete in NCAA Division II Lonestar Conference in men’s baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, golf, cross country, and tennis.

About the College / Department Position Summary

The Senior Accountant is responsible, under supervision, for reporting, analyzing, and interpreting accounting information. The position will assist in preparing various financial reports, as required or requested, in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and higher education industry practices. The Senior Accountant will assist in determining the applicability of Governmental Accounting Standards Board ( GASB ) standards on behalf of the University including implementation of the required standards to achieve compliance. This position will assist in developing and enforcing University internal controls and financial policies and procedures, and will aid in identifying areas for improvement as well as determining and implementing best practices. This position is governed by generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ), GASB, federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as University of Arkansas System and UAFS policies. The position reports to the Controller.

Summary of Job Duties

• Providing professional level accounting support to the Controller and Assistant Controller as needed, to include ensuring the general ledger properly reflects activities; ensuring that financial transactions comply with applicable principles and standards; assisting in the preparation of quarterly Actual and Budgeted Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Net Position reports; coordinating year-end closing procedures; and subsequently preparing, reviewing, analyzing, and ensuring the accuracy of year-end financial statements and related footnotes by interpreting and applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ( GAAP ), Governmental Accounting Standards Board ( GASB ) standards, federal, state and local laws and regulations, and University of Arkansas System and UAFS Policies and Procedures.
• Performing general accounting functions, including processing various general ledger transactions and preparing, reviewing, and approving reconciliations and journal entries; preparing and reviewing subsidiary listings for various general ledger accounts; preparing and reviewing ad hoc reports for University management, University System Board of Trustees, Arkansas Division of Higher Education ( ADHE ), and the Arkansas State Legislature; preparing and reviewing annual ADHE Series Reports and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report ( CAFR ) template; developing, compiling, analyzing and clearing variance and exception reports as directed.
• Providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers of the business office.
• Serving as accounting liaison for assigned areas. Answering questions, correcting errors, resolving accounting related issues and providing financial or other information as requested.
• Cross-training with and providing backup support for other team members as assigned.
• Developing, implementing, and continuously updating accounting procedures by analyzing current procedures and recommending changes.
• Continually seeking opportunities to streamline processes to more efficiently and effectively perform business operations.
• Performing other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates. Requires consistent on-time attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Four years’ experience in accounting, audit, or finance.
• Other job-related education and experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements upon approval.

Please ensure that all relevant application materials include details addressing the minimum qualifications. Applicants not meeting the minimum qualifications will be disqualified from consideration.

License(s)/Certifications Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of accounting experience in higher education.
• Experience working with Banner and/or Workday.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:
• The qualified candidate must be technically proficient in accounting, understand finance concepts, and have a strong working knowledge and expertise in financial accounting standards and reporting requirements to be able to prepare financial statements in compliance with GAAP and governmental accounting standards.
• Have an ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of complex accounting principles and reporting standards.
• Ability to apply knowledge base comprehensively.
• Ability to compile information, develop, and prepare reports.
• Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively and clearly communicate financial information to all campus constituents with understanding.
• Must demonstrate initiative, self-direction, ownership of projects, ability to meet deadlines, attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and excellent organization, follow-through, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously and respond positively to change.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Effective skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Exhibit and promote ethical behavior and compliance in financial activities.

Special Job Dimensions

Work is performed primarily in an office setting. Occasional travel may be required. While performing the duties of this job, employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer, sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to ten (10) pounds.

Work Schedule

Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended hours occasionally required.

Salary $60,000-$65,000 Benefits

Competitive benefits package.

Background Check / Pre-Employment Screening

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non- discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Does this position require a background check? Criminal Background Check, Financial History Background Check, and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check
Open Date 04/30/2021 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, apply by May 14, 2021.

Anticipated start date EEO Statement

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, dedicated to attracting and supporting diverse student, faculty, and staff populations. The University welcomes applications without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

UA Fort Smith provides equal employment, admission, and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or gender identify. The University abides by all applicable employment laws.

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, the University is committed to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees with regard to recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, training, fringe benefits and all other aspects of employment.

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter with Salary Requirements
3. Unofficial College Transcripts

Optional Documents

1. Related Certifications
2. Unofficial College Transcripts - Additional 1
3. Proof of Veteran Status
4. Additional Document

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree in accounting?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have experience working in accounting or a related field?
   • Yes
   • No
3. If yes, please describe, including your total number of years of experience.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
4. * Do you have management experience?
   • Yes
   • No
5. If yes, please describe.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
6. * Do you have experience working in higher education?
   • Yes
   • No
7. If yes, please describe.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
8. * Do you have experience with Banner, Workday, or other enterprise resource planning software?
   • Yes
   • No
9. If yes, please describe.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
10. * Do you understand that failure to complete the Employment History section of the application will result in automatic elimination?
    • Yes
    • No
11. * Did you complete the Employment History section of the application?
    • Yes
    • No
12. * Do you understand that failure to upload your unofficial transcript(s) may result in an incomplete application packet?
    • Yes
    • No
13. * Did you upload your unofficial transcript(s)?
    • Yes
    • No
14. * Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from a job?
    • Yes
    • No
15. If yes, please describe.
    
    (Open Ended Question)
    
    
16. * How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
    
    (Open Ended Question)