The Universities of Wisconsin are a premier system of public higher education. We educate approximately 162,000 students each year and employ about 35,000 faculty and staff statewide. With 13 universities across the state, the Universities of Wisconsin are a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
The Department of Financial Administration has the primary responsibility for the fiscal integrity of the University of Wisconsin System. It is expected to provide a financial environment that is secure, encourages the accomplishment of academic missions, provides timely and accurate information, and assists all levels of management in making prudent financial decisions.
In order to meet these responsibilities, Financial Administration has organized itself around the following five service categories: Systemwide Accounting and Budget Control; Shared Financial System Operations Management; Financial and Administrative Policy Development; Financial Analysis and Reporting; System Administration Accounting and Budget Control.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Financial Services unit performs the controllership function for the Universities of Wisconsin. This position assists the UW System Controller in the areas of statewide reporting, financial management and budget control of the University’s financial resources. This includes monitoring University budgets and allotments. This section also performs the annual reconciliation and certification of University financial transactions and advises institution financial managers on a wide variety of policy-related issues.
The performance in this position requires demonstrated ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) reporting standards, familiarity with University of Wisconsin and State of Wisconsin fiscal rules, policies and procedures and participation in UW System financial decision making.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
UW System Reporting and Analysis
- Prepare annual system-wide Program Revenue Overdraft Report for Department of Administration (DOA).
- Prepare annual system-wide Prompt Payment Report for DOA.
- Assisting with fiscal year-end activities and reporting for UWSA
- Preparing financial management reports, such as budget-to-actual reports, and developing new reports where needed
- Create and develop budgetary analysis for the Vice President for Finance and Administration, Senior Associate Vice President for Finance and UW System Controller as requested.
- Assist in the preparation and analysis of periodic and ad hoc reports for the Board of Regents, System Administration Management, and others.
- Dedicated report writer for Financial Administration for new ERP system
Financial Accounting and Reconciliation
- Assisting with the fiscal year-end/close process for the UW System, such as reconciling with DOA and determining campus carryover amounts
- Leads or assists with the implementation of campus-wide finance initiatives, programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations
- Performs complex accounting and auditing reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, and reports
- Serves as subject matter expert to leadership and institutional stakeholders regarding accounting and financial operations, policies, and procedures
- Develops and facilitates trainings and provides financial guidance to management and staff
Budget Control and Accounting Functions of the Universities of Wisconsin.
- Monitor and reconcile allotment authority from the UW System with the State Department of Administration (DOA) Chapter 20 records for a multitude of appropriations with many funding sources (i.e., GPR, SEG, PR-S, PR-F, PR, Annual, Continuing, Sum Sufficient). Identify and explain variances.
- Interpret, train, and consult institution personnel engaged in the maintenance of the institutional budget control function relative to budget programs, rules, funding restrictions, reconciling issues and analysis.
- Analyze and monitor institution and systemwide budgets throughout the fiscal year, advising institutions to maximize use of funding and minimize lapsing in accordance with legislative intent and Board of Regents policy.
- Analyze and interpret the operating budget to determine centrally held funding for institutional distribution. Serve as a liaison with the UWSA Budget Office to ascertain the overall annual budget plan and funding intent.
- Help develop UW System financial policies and procedures. Assist Institution and System personnel in interpreting and implementing federal, state and UW System financial policies and procedures.
- Monitor and forecast utility expenditures across the UW System
Miscellaneous Activities.
- Leading the controller, bursar, and PCI stakeholder group meetings
- Coordinate and provide System Access to various software systems
- Provide backup coverage for staff
- Perform other special projects as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field from an accredited institution
- Eight or more years of experience in accounting or related role
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with leaders at all levels of the UW System
- Thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles
- Experience developing and supporting operational processes within a University setting
- Knowledge of internal controls, business ethics, and financial platforms and practices
- Intermediate Excel Skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Experience working with the UW System or State
- Experience working within Higher Education
COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Inclusive Excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for Universities of Wisconsin. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, research, scholarship, creative activity, community service, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
Universities of Wisconsin fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who serve the State of Wisconsin and the public good.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and the reference check process that includes questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn.
The Universities of Wisconsin will not sponsor a work visa for this position at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.
WORK LOCATION
The office location is 780 Regent Street, Madison, WI 53715. Telecommuting or hybrid work option is available with working three days in the office and two days remote. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) academic staff appointment. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $85,000. - $97,000. annually commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.
Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees. Please see this link for total compensation information: UW System Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Sunday, January 12, 2024. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled. Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.
Select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for and submit the required materials listed below online.
- Resume (PDF Format)
- Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)
