Financial Specialist III - University of Wisconsin-Stout

The University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout) is seeking applications for Financial Specialist III. The Financial Specialist III reviews, approves, and advises on a variety of complex financial transactions for the institution in accordance with university rules and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). It is the lead for all accounts payable related to non-purchase orders and is responsible for various accounting responsibilities related to tax, general ledger, capital assets and various other accounting functions. This position will serve as the backup to the UW-Stout grants and contracts accountant and will complete the preparation of complex financial reports related to grants and contracts for external sponsors and principal investigators, provide financial guidance to the campus on the appropriate use of all appropriations and accounts, and will complete invoicing and reconciliation functions, as it relates to the post award process. For all assigned areas, the Financial Specialist III provides administrative processing support, customer service for staff, recommends controls and process improvements, and may train staff on processes and best practices.

Anticipated Start Date: July 2024

Official UW Title and Job Description: FINANCIAL SPECIALIST III https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/title-and-total-compensation-study/standard-job-description-library/?jobID=29649

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum / Required

• Accounting experience that includes familiarity with accounts payable and general ledger operations.
• Strong understanding of debits, credits, and account reconciliation processes.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities and work autonomously with interruptions.
• Skilled in utilizing specialized software to access financial data and generate reports.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional customer service skills.

Highly Desired/Preferred

• Minimum associate degree in a business-related field.
• Minimum 1 year of accounting experience.
• Experience with governmental or fund accounting.
• Experience with accounts receivable and invoicing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• As the lead for non-purchase order accounts payable, this position will determine and advise campus on the appropriate payment type for all non-purchase order accounts and will serve as the backup to the accounts payable specialist responsible for purchase order payment transactions.
• Assist in triaging the general ledger queue to review accuracy of the transactions and verify the correct funding string and account code combinations are used for transfers, key and upload journal entries, and research and resolve errors that appear during the edit process. This includes answering complex fiscal questions and provide information related to Universities of Wisconsin and UW Stout policies and procedures, and best practices.
• Responsible for various accounting functions, including, but not limited to tax, capital assets, pre-audit of Foundation funding requests and food requisitions.
• Responsible for enforcing UW Stout, UW System/State and Federal regulations, and procedures for an assigned workload. This includes Uniform Guidance regulations. Continually review and analyze federal, state, and university grant regulations.
• Verify that expenditures charged to a grant and/or contract are reasonable and allocable according to the sponsor approved narrative and budget of the award, requiring knowledge, and understanding of complex financial rules and regulations, this includes a complete understanding of budget requirements and reconciliation.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

UW-Stout's Business and Financial Service unit's mission is to safeguard and account for the university's assets; respond to the university community, UW-System, legislators, state agencies and other entities and assist with their fiscal and administrative needs. But we prioritize more than just work--we value achieving a healthy work-life balance, fostering a well-rounded culture, and creating a strong connection to Stout's mission of student success. We are committed to providing our team members with many opportunities for professional development, supported by a flexible work environment that adapts to your needs. We are seeking individuals who are excited about numbers, love to collaborate, and problem solve. We have a knowledgeable and hard-working team and are looking for someone to grow alongside us.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Complete applications received by end of day, June 9th, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications submitted after June 9th may be reviewed at the discretion of the search committee until the position is filled.

To apply, click on the APPLY button or go to: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/careers-jobs

Required application materials:
1. Cover letter (* See below)
2. Resume
3. Names and contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references.

*Please use your cover letter to speak to each of the Minimum/Required Qualifications for this position as listed above. For each required qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement.

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.

Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application you will not be able to go into the system and change them.

Before starting the online application process, we recommend you preview the frequently asked questions (FAQs) available at: https://kb.uwss.wisconsin.edu/21900

It is the policy of UW-Stout to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance, or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact us using the information below. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual's disability.

For questions regarding this position or recruitment, please contact:
Search Chair: Leigh May
Email: mayle@uwstout.edu

If you need assistance with the online application process or if you submitted your application prior to uploading all the required application materials, please contact:
Search Coordinator: Alisha Marburger
Email: marburgeral@uwstout.edu

INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW

University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin's only Polytechnic University, offers an unmatched career-focused education that combines applied learning, theory and research with real-world experience that prepares tomorrow's leaders to drive the future of business and industry. At UW-Stout, our students think and do from day one, and we are proud to produce lifelong learners, ethical leaders and responsible citizens who succeed in a global society.

UW-Stout is recognized nationwide for its operational excellence. We were the first and remain the only full four-year public higher education institution in the nation to receive the Malcolm Baldrige Award, and we are dedicated to a process-improvement model that leverages the power of data and the value of our people. We believe in critical thinking and fact-informed decision making. We pursue sustainability in form and function and collaborate across campus and with our partners to solve problems in industry and society. And providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment for our faculty, staff, and students to live, learn and work is a top priority.

We offer 45+ undergraduate degrees, 20+ graduate degrees and 30+ professional certificates in Art, Design & Graphics; Business & Management; Education; Human & Social Sciences; Information Technology & Communications; and Science, Engineering & Math. Our first-class digital infrastructure and learning environments provide our nearly 7,000 students with every avenue to explore and personalize their success. And we invest in people who share our vision to advance our position as Wisconsin's only Polytechnic University and as a regional, national, and international leader in higher education.

Be a part of the future at UW-Stout. Learn more at https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us

University of Wisconsin-Stout is located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, a community an hour east of Minneapolis-St. Paul. A pillar of Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley and recognized as one of the best small towns in America, Menomonie provides an idyllic combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, boutiques and arts and culture with access to a metropolitan area. For more information about the UW-Stout community and region visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/about-us/our-community

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Minimum starting salary of $52,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. UW System provides an excellent benefits package including participation in the Wisconsin State retirement plan, demonstrating our commitment to the diverse needs of our employees.

• Benefit Details: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf
• Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator | Employee Benefits (wisconsin.edu)

All qualified candidates meeting application requirements will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, UW-Stout welcomes applications from individuals from diverse groups; veterans, individuals with disabilities and from historically excluded populations. UW-Stout provides equal opportunity to all persons and is committed to inclusive excellence. At UW-Stout we value our differences and welcome diverse perspectives as we continually commit to developing an inclusive and equitable environment for all employees and students.

Employment is contingent upon the final candidate's completing a criminal background check and being cleared to work by the Human Resources Office. Employment is also contingent upon the final candidate passing reference checks and an essential job function test, as applicable. The reference check process includes asking the final candidate and most recent supervisor(s) questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Final candidates with previous employment within the UW System and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks.

Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position. A successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact our Human Resources office, Phone: 715.232.2149.

In response to a public records request, the University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in their online application, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7)

UW-Stout is committed to providing safety and security of all members of our community in accordance with the Clery Act. For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: https://www.uwstout.edu/life-stout/police-and-parking/clery-information

Job Family: Staff