Manager, Accounting & Finance

University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT

Part-time - Mid Level

Salt Lake City, UT

Educational Services

About the position

The College of Health at the University of Utah is a leading academic unit dedicated to transforming healthcare by empowering individuals to maintain health and resilience through proactive and preventive care. This role as the Manager of Accounting & Finance is pivotal in supporting the financial management operations of the College, which encompasses six academic departments and serves over 2,000 students. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage with best practices in finance and accounting while contributing to a growing research portfolio that has expanded from $10 million to $75 million in the past six years. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing various administrative functions, ensuring compliance with University, Federal, and State policies, and enhancing the quality of service provided to internal and external customers. In this role, you will work under minimal supervision to plan, organize, and direct all aspects of financial management operations. This includes maintaining accurate accounting data, overseeing the collection of financial reports, and monitoring the workload of subordinate staff to ensure deadlines are met. You will also be responsible for training new staff, establishing accounting policies, and advising campus departments on financial systems and procedures. The position requires a strong analytical mindset to review financial transactions for accuracy and legality, as well as the ability to prepare comprehensive financial statements and reports. Additionally, you will participate in audit processes and may supervise complex accounting tasks such as bank account reconciliations. The University of Utah promotes a supportive work atmosphere that fosters personal and professional growth, and this position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule, allowing for both in-office and remote work. Candidates with experience in accounting, finance, and grant management are particularly encouraged to apply, as these skills will be valuable in navigating the complexities of the role.

Responsibilities

• Provides that accounting data is accurately entered into the University's general accounting system and that University, Federal and State policies are adhered to in this process.
• Oversees collection of data for financial or accounting reports.
• Monitors subordinate work assignments to ensure equal workloads and that deadlines and schedules are met.
• Schedules and reviews subordinate work, correcting errors and providing technical guidance as needed. Trains newly assigned and less experienced staff.
• Establishes new accounting policies and procedures. Interprets policies and recommends internal controls.
• Recommends methods of improving operational effectiveness of the department.
• Advises campus departments on University financial system and accounting questions and procedures.
• Reviews financial information to determine whether transactions are proper, legal or misclassified.
• Reviews and approves campus orders, check requests and journal entries.
• Approves the set up of new accounting activities and projects.
• Prepares University financial statements and reports, such as cash flow statements, audit reports, pro forma reports, exception reports and IRS reports.
• Reviews large transactions for accuracy, sufficient funding and proper approvals.
• Participates in internal and external audit processes.
• Writes and runs complex queries and reports.
• May supervise complex accounting processes, such as reconciliation of all University bank accounts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).
• Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience.
• Background knowledge of hiring department's area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Peoplesoft Financials and EPM budget software.
• Interest or experience with research/grant administration.
• Any experience with grants (pre award, post award) is considered an asset in this role.

Benefits

• Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement.
• The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds.
• Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law.
• Reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.