Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
This position is responsible for the accounting and reporting of specialized subsets of financial information. The position serves as a subject matter expert on various financial reporting requirements and system integrations, which are critical in ensuring ongoing data integrity and compliance across processes. Additionally, the position independently manages fund administration within the UGA Foundation (UGAF) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a task that demands a high level of technical proficiency and understanding of complex financial structures. This position will prepare and/or review financial reports using various financial data sets and assist with recurring close-out activities and preparation of financial reports.
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or equivalent, and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional accounting experience – Preference to experience in higher education or Foundation
- Experience creating, editing, and using Pivot Tables, and formulas in Excel
- Experience in non-for-profit or Foundation accounting
- Experience with general ledger accounting and reconciliations
- Experience with ERP Financial Systems
- Experience with using Data Analytic tools for financial reporting
- Exhibits behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the University of Georgia
- Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to analyze complex data
- Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills
- Excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills and the ability to deal effectively and professionally with a variety of people
- Self-starter, takes initiative, and can work independently as well as in a team environment
- Ability to follow directions and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated superior customer service skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Word
- High standard of professionalism and adherence with confidentiality
- Ability to adapt to new technology
- Communicates and employs interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct
- Through open, honest, and respectful communication, all staff, supervisors, and colleagues of the Division of Development & Alumni Relations are expected to interact with fairness, compassion, and decency. All employees will be held accountable for meeting the expectation of promoting a stable, productive, and healthy work environment.
- Adherence to CASE standards and commonly accepted industry standards relating to fundraising reporting are expected of all fundraisers. All fundraisers will be held accountable for meeting this expectation.
- Work in a standard office environment
- Sit and work at a computer workstation for an extended amount of time
- Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
- Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
- Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
- Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
- Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
(35%) Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Analyze, report, and reconcile financial data sets in the general ledger.
- Prepare and analyze various financial and statistical data.
- Analyze the effect of transactions on the general ledger and determine what action should be taken to correct or adjust improper debits or credits.
- Prepare reports for leadership for Endowed Chairs and Professorships.
- Maintain investment general ledger activity including but not limited to purchases, liquidations, and transfers involving the long-term portfolio on a fund level.
- Research and respond to endowment and fund balance inquiries and data requests.
- Identify, evaluate, and make recommendations to improve processes that support endowment accounting and reporting.
- Independently manage fund administration within the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial data.
- Prepare and validate reports on gift administration for review and decision making.
- Serve as subject matter expert on fund administration integrations.
- Analyze and identify gift population for exceptions and updates that are needed.
- Maintain gift and unrestricted budget connection to the UGA financial management system.
- Analyze and monitor donor contribution and gift-in-kind transactions.
- Analyze the effect of gift transactions on the general ledger and determine what action should be taken to correct or adjust improper debits or credits.
- Develop and coordinate enhancements related to interface integrations, including worktag usage, and data extraction from external systems.
- Testing, validation, and issue resolution related to interface and integration updates and enhancements.
- Serve as Budget Operations Specialist in the ERP system.
- Maintain gift budgets within the ERP system, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
- Prepare various financial and Ad-Hoc reports.
- Prepare PBC items for external audit and tax functions.
- Cross-training with other accounting staff to learn various reconciliation processes
- Communicate with campus on complex financial questions and reporting matters.
- Other duties assigned related to UGAF accounting operations.
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the University of Georgia Foundation
The University of Georgia Foundation enriches the quality of education at the university by supporting scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships and other programs that rely on private funds. With more than $2 billion in assets, a large portion of which is endowed, the foundation provides an average of more than $100 million annually to UGA to advance its mission of teaching, research, and public service. The foundation was established in 1937. As a steward of donor funds, the Foundation has a strong record of fiscal and financial management. Its investment portfolio has consistently outperformed key benchmarks. Growth in the foundation’s assets has allowed for greater financial support of the university’s mission.
About the Mission of the University of Georgia Foundation
The mission and purpose of the University of Georgia Foundation is to provide support for the teaching, research, public service, and outreach programs of the University of Georgia by means of volunteer leadership and assistance in development and fundraising activities; fiduciary care for the assets of the foundation for the long-term benefit and enhancement of the university; and broad advice, consultation, and support to the president of the university. The foundation shall operate as a cooperative organization in accordance with policies of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.
EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
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