Job Description
Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:
Finance Stewardship & Operations
Institutional Analytics & Decision Support
Budget, Policy & Strategy
University Business Services
Reporting to the Enterprise Accounting & Governance Director, the Senior Accountant serves as a strategic accounting advisor to campus stakeholders and central administrative units, providing authoritative guidance on complex and technical accounting matters. The role is responsible for the execution of specific month-end and year-end close activities, including the preparation and review of journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations, and may provide leadership and mentorship to junior accounting professionals.
In addition, the Senior Accountant leads specific advanced financial accounting and external reporting functions for the institution, ensuring full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and applicable federal regulations. This position manages highly complex accounting activities, including the preparation of specialized external reports such as the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), Section 117 Foreign Gifts and Contracts Report, and the National Science Foundation's Foreign Financial Disclosure Report, and plays a key role in supporting Single Audit requirements and other regulatory filings.
Dutes & Responsibilities:
Accounting and Analysis
Interpret and apply complex GAAP, GASB, and federal regulatory requirements to non-routine, high-risk transactions requiring significant professional judgment and documentation
Lead the preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) for all federal research activity, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and compliance, and supporting inclusion in the University's and State'sconsolidatedfinancial statements subject to annual audit
Perform advanced financial analysis, reconciliations, and issue corrective journal entries across multiple systems and Workday companies to resolve non-compliant items and ensure the integrity of institutional financial records
Prepare and review complex schedules and adjustments for annual financial statement preparation, including incoming funds, accounts receivable, and sponsored program activity
Reconcile data across multiple accounting and reporting systems to produceaccuratemonthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports under strict reporting deadlines
Enterprise Accounting Support
Serve as the primary institutional accounting resource for campus stakeholders, including Shared Environments (SEs), Deans' Offices, and departmental leadership,providingauthoritative guidance on complex accounting and reporting matters
Collaborate with campus partners tooptimizethe use of Workday whileestablishingandmaintainingstrong accounting practices aligned with internal policies, GAAP, GASB standards, and federal regulatory requirements
Translate highly technical accounting standards, audit requirements, and regulatory guidance into clear, actionable direction for non-accounting stakeholders
Support institution-wide audits and regulatory reviews, including Single Audit activities, by coordinating documentation, responding to auditor inquiries, and resolving findings
Promote consistent application of accounting policies, reporting standards, and internal controls across a decentralized operating environment, balancing compliance, risk management, and operational needs
Process Improvement & Project Support
Lead and support initiatives to strengthen accounting processes, internal controls, andreportingaccuracy in a complex and evolving regulatory environment
Support the Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICOFR) strategic plan
Lead initiatives to update,maintain, and govern the institutional accounting policy manual, ensuring alignment with evolving regulatory requirements, accounting standards, and best practices
Evaluate and reconcile workflows and data across disparate systems toidentifyinefficiencies, control gaps, or compliance risks, and implement sustainable improvements
Drive continuous improvement by recommending best practices that enhance efficiency, transparency, and audit readiness
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Accountingor related field and CPA Certified Public Accountant (CPA); active or recently lapse within 6 months of application and 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, featuring substantial leadership roles in higher education or large-scale organizations
Demonstratedexpertisein external financial reporting, audit management, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations
Advanced accounting knowledge, includingexpertisein GAAP, GASB, Uniform Guidance (UG), and state accounting standards (SAAM)
Experienced in Internal Controls & Risk Management with an ability to design and implement ICOFR frameworks and monitor compliance
Skilled in creating andmaintaininginstitutional accounting policies and manuals
Advanced analytical andproblem solvingskillset with an ability to interpret complex regulations and apply them to institutional processes
Ability toinitiateclear, professional communication with senior executives, auditors, Deans Offices andleadsof other units
Proficiencyin Excel pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data visualization for financial analysis as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint), SharePoint, Teams, and other documentation and collaboration tools
Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups andteams;create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPB
Desired:
Experience with Workday Financials
Strong understanding of Single Audit/SEFA requirements, and Section 117/NSF disclosure reporting
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$96,960.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum:
$113,004.00 annual
Other Compensation:
-
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a regular position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
100.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
Not Applicable
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu .
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
