Accounting Specialist at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas

Job Description:

Position OverviewThe Shared Service Centers Finance at the University of Kansas is searching for an Accounting Specialist position. The day-to-day finance activities in the SSC will be conducted by Accountants and Accounting Specialists. This position will be responsible for working with assigned units, departments and centers as well as the SSC Finance Manager and/or Director to perform financial business activities in an environment of excellent client service. This position will use accounting skills to perform financial support functions for the departments, provide departments with accurate and timely information to make decisions, and ensure efficient transaction processing.
The SSC Accounting Specialist will provide timely and professional services that support or enhance the administrative and service goals of the units served. The SSC Accounting Specialist will report to the SSC Finance Manager or SSC Accountant, and will be responsible for transaction processing for the units served.


If you are looking for a rewarding and dynamic career, look no farther than the University of Kansas. In addition to a competitive salary, KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, 10 paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a great retirement program, medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and state of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational opportunities for employees. KU is a great place to work!Job Description60% Responsible for purchasing and resource management, following University, KUCR and Endowment guidelines and regulations; including documentation:

• Processes payments and purchase requisitions through university financial systems and determines appropriate account and funding for payment.


• Develops unit processes to ensure that appropriate funding sources are used and that resources are available for purchases; audits and reviews procurement card purchases to ensure procedures for compliance with University, Endowment and KUCR accounting systems are followed.


• Manages travel reimbursements; reviews all travel requests to ensure that expenditures and reimbursements are in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations; processes payments and reimbursements as appropriate.


• Knowledgeable of university purchasing and bid procedures, contracts, and federal regulations to ensure appropriate purchases are made.


• Processes accounts receivable transactions in university financial system.


• Works with the Finance Manager to resolve problems related to billing errors, non-receipt of invoices and discrepancies between statements and records.


• Verifies scholarship recipients, processes posting forms to Financial Aid and Scholarship and provides data and reports to the Chair or Director upon request.

30% Responsible for monitoring fiscal operations for each unit/department/center served; including, but not limited to:

• Participates in day-to-day fiscal operations to ensure compliance with established University, Endowment and KUCR accounting principles, policies and objectives.


• May monitor posted expenses and process cost transfers when needed; ensures that expenditures follow all University and Endowment processes and procedures; identifies discrepancies to supervisor and unit Director/Chair.


• Works with the Finance Manager to inform and assist the Director/Chair with operational needs and related budgetary impact.


• Works with the Finance Manager to provide the Director/Chair with financial information to assist in the development of the annual operating budget.


• Works with the Finance Manager to provide non-standard reports and statements as requested.


• Gathers data for and prepares budgetary, statistical, reconciliation and other requested reports for leadership and SSC Director and Finance Manager.


• May monitor accounts receivable, revenues and expenses.


• Escalates questions as appropriate to the SSC Finance Manager and/or the Chair/Director.

10% Other SSC Responsibilities

• Coordinates with central finance on the interpretation and communication of finance policies, procedures, and programs.


• Reviews and recommends changes to department and SSC procedures to ensure compliance with policy; prepares and updates procedural manuals and related instructional materials.


• Serves as a resource to department staff and faculty to ensure compliance with policy.


• Participates in department meetings and events to maintain knowledge of the department and relationship with the faculty and staff.


• Attends regular meetings, training sessions and professional development workshops/seminars to keep current on policies and procedures relevant to position responsibilities, as requested and approved by the SSC Finance Manager.


• Other duties as assigned.

Position RequirementsThis position is designated as fully remote, meaning most activities will be performed from an agreed upon off-campus location. Some in-person activities such as meetings with departments, trainings and team meetings will be required on occasion.Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration or related field OR High School Diploma/GED and three (3) years of relevant experience.


2. Computer skills in a PC/Windows environment including MS Word and MS Excel as demonstrated by application materials and previous experience.


3. Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail as demonstrated by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration.


2. Experience using a financial ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning system), such as Oracle Financials (FITC), Concur, Maximo, Central Square (OneSolution), etc.


3. Experience with fund accounting.


4. Prior work experience requiring Analytical and problem-solving skills.


5. Informational writing experience with program and training materials through mediums such as the web, social media, brochures, manuals.


6. Experience working both independently and a team environment.


7. Experience managing multiple tasks and assignments in a deadline driven environment.

Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application includes:

1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.


2. Resume.


3. Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).


4. Completion of the online application.

The application review date begins Monday, July 8, 2024, and continues until a pool of qualified applicants is received.



#LI-HR1Contact Information to ApplicantsAlina Edmondson
ausenko822@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range$42,000Work ScheduleMonday- Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.Application Review BeginsMonday July 8, 2024Anticipated Start DateMonday July 29, 2024Apply to Job

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