Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Accountant I in Amherst, Massachusetts
Accountant I
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=524044&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 524044
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:Graduate Registrar
Union:USA/MTA
Categories: Administrative & Office Support, Accounting/Finance/Budget
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Accountant I is responsible for managing the Graduate School's funds and provides support for business processes to meet operational and strategic objectives. Participates in financial analysis projects, examines accounting data, maintains accounting records, maintains a computerized financial management system to enable comprehensive budget reviews, and interprets and implements accounting and University financial policies.
Essential Functions
Manages department financial activities and provides fiscal support for actions including purchasing, contracts, travel, equipment and office supplies purchases, recharges, business expenses, etc. Manages the expense/reimbursement process.
Works with Department Director of Administration and Finance to prepare budget allocations for each fiscal year, determines appropriate spending categories and accounts, and prepares monthly and year-end reports.
Oversees and reports on the financial status of the department financial accounts. Provides budgetary planning information for the department to forecast account balances, revenues, and expenses.
Creates and maintains a budget-tracking tool for tracking accounts balances, expenditures and revenues to assure compliance with university, state, and federal policies and procedures.
Acts as liaison with vendors, subcontractors, and other external agencies to prepare, maintain, and process necessary documents for purchase orders, contracts for services, and sole source documentations. Acts as liaison to Procurement, Controller's Office, Office of Grants and Contracts, and other relevant departments on campus. Attends university and college required financial trainings. Assures that department faculty and staff have necessary training and resources.
Manages joint accounting activities such as overhead transfers, and split funding expenditures. Executes journal entries for the transfer of funds. Prepares deposits to departmental funds. Manages the disbursements of faculty awards, and student awards and scholarships.
Oversees the management of research awards to assure compliance with university, state and federal policy. Advises faculty on status of research and other awards and monitors expenditures. Manages grant expenditures to assure compliance with budgets and advises Principal Investigator of grant budget status. Identifies and corrects budget anomalies.
Manages bank card accounting for staff and advises on appropriate use. Reallocates expenses to designated funding accounts.
Informs and advises faculty and staff on issues of financial policy compliance.
Other Functions
As needed, may assist the Director of Finance & Administration on matters related to hiring and promotion including the use of PageUP and other systems.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the Graduate School and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goads of the Graduate School.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Three (3) years of experience in accounting or financial management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
An Associates degree or higher can substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work prioritize competing tasks in a high-paced environment.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, working productively with a minimum of supervision while balancing demands of concurrent deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Proficiency with University systems: Summit, BuyWays, Concur, PeopleSoft Finance and HR, SPIRE, Kuali, Salesforce, etc.
In-depth, working knowledge of spreadsheet software applications and competence in running queries in computerized databases.
Strong knowledge of the University rules and procedures for Accounting, BuyWays, Travel and Bank Card.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical Office Environment.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM.
Salary Information
USA/MTA Non-Exempt Grade 15.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Jul 19 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 20 2024 Eastern Daylight Time