Budget & Planning Accountant

Salary/Position Classification

• $62,400 – 64,900+ Dependent on Experience, Annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, Shared Service Center, the Budget & Planning Accountant partners with assigned areas of responsibility to perform primarily professional level accounting, budget and fund management and oversight in accordance with applicable federal, state, and organizational policies and procedures. This position will also plan and lead their respective direct report(s) area(s) of responsibility in support of the overarching mission of the Shared Service Center department.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist assigned area(s) in developing, revising, submitting, and reporting of unit operating budgets by maintaining a thorough understanding of funding sources and uses.
• Manage the development and maintenance of fund reconciliations for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Provide professional‑level analysis and insight of unit operating expenditures and revenues with a high degree of attention to detail.
• Prepare and present financial activity summaries and reports.
• Provide guidance and insight on financial and budget management best practices and appropriate policy standards.
• Review Payroll and Accounting requests for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with organizational and governing‑body standards.
• Prepare or approve journal entries; manage approval of revenue and expense activity; and determine appropriate account and fund code use.
• Provide guidance on Payroll and Accounting best practices and appropriate policy standards.
• Oversee and manage direct reports’ workloads; initiate and manage performance evaluations; and provide leadership, support, and guidance.
• Develop a culture emphasizing strong customer service skills, continuous process improvement, best business practices, adaptability, teamwork, and participation in job‑related training.
• Serve as backup for Account Technician on time‑sensitive duties such as monitoring payroll and making corrections within deadlines.
• Serve as hiring manager in PageUp; prepare Human Resources paperwork with high attention to detail; and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize to meet deadlines, while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative and be self-directed.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, critical thinking, and the ability to write and speak concisely and express thoughts clearly.
• Ability to confidently express thoughts and lead meetings.
• Demonstrated team player and treats others with respect, while confidently contributing to the team.
• Maintains a positive attitude and the ability to adapt to changes with a positive outlook.
• Ability to be receptive to new ideas and ways of doing things.
• Ability to quickly and rationally grasp the “big picture” goal.
• Ability to look for efficiencies in processes and offer value added suggestions to customers about their needs.
• Demonstrated ability working in a cohesive team, willing to back up and support other team members

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
• 5 years of progressive experience in a professional accounting, finance, or budget management position or 3 years of experience directly in higher education accounting, finance, or budget management position.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and in particular, advanced knowledge of data analysis functions of Excel with ability to generate a management summary of the data.
• Experience advising professionals and/or organizations on financial and business decisions.
• Successful completion of Criminal History Background Check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience.
• CPA, MBA, or related certification/master's degree.
• Experience with PeopleSoft Finance and HRMS (Human Resources/Payroll) modules.
• Experience with accounts payable system.
• Knowledge of UND policies and procedures.