Accountant Job at UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA in Tucson

This position performs a broad scope of accounting assignments, including initiating, reviewing, monitoring, reconciling, and analyzing financial transactions while applying professional knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Federal and state regulations, Arizona Board of Regents requirements, and university policies and procedures.

Finance & Budget supports a hybrid-first workplace that embraces flexibility. This role is part of a remote team. Candidate must be in Arizona. No relocation funding will be provided. In-person attendance is expected at Annual All Staff Employee Recognition Events.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Payroll Week Duties:

• Prepares a payroll estimate prior to confirmation to identify and correct variances from the prior pay period.
• Prepares payments to vendors for both mandatory and voluntary deductions and works closely with third-party vendors such as ADP, Fidelity, TIAA, Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), and various garnishment vendors to ensure payments are accurate.
• Processes the payroll tax file through ADP, which covers federal, state, and local taxes. Monitors outbound vendor files – particularly the Direct Deposit File – to confirm payroll has been issued.
• Analyzes errors that prevent payroll from posting in the financial system, coordinating with appropriate departments to resolve them.

Payroll Accounting General Duties:

• Performs a broad scope of professional accounting activities, including initiating, reviewing, monitoring, reconciling, and analyzing financial transactions.
• Prepares journal entries to record payroll-related payments each pay period.
• Maintains reconciliations of payroll liabilities to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Assists in preparing information for University financial reports, such as the Annual-Comprehensive Financial Report and other monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and surveys.

Customer Service:

• Assists departments with questions and requests related to salary expense transfers, labor ledger journal entries, encumbrances, and payroll-related UAccess Analytics reports.

Process Improvement & Compliance:

• Reviews Payroll Accounting procedures, creating or updating them as needed.
• Collaborates regularly with Payroll Operations, Benefits, and Workforce Systems teams to ensure accurate and efficient processes.
• Collaborates and performs other basic duties within the scope of the Accounting Services team as assigned by a supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Basic knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Skill in performing detailed numerical computations.
• Skill in preparing detailed reports on a timely basis.
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced work environment where job duties change, and new procedures are initiated.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn and work independently and as part of a team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PeopleSoft Financials.
• Experience with spreadsheet and database applications such as Excel and Access.
• Experience in preparing financial statements, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Experience in higher education or other governmental organizations.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity employer.