Accountant I

PurposeThe Accountant I will provide accounting controls for unit budgets, provide accounting and financial information to unit staff, and assist with analyzing and documenting the business processes, procedures and systems of the unit to increase efficiency to meet strategic goals and objectives.

Major Position ResponsibilitiesAudit, review, and interpret accounting and financial reports, documents, information, and statements to ensure accuracy and validity: Input, verify, and update databases, resolve problems and discrepancies and ensure that disbursements are made appropriately; Review, research and monitor all payroll adjustments; prepare and process retroactive adjustments and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, regulations, and bargaining unit contractsProvide information on and document accounting processes, budget concerns, and University and unit operational and accounting procedures and policiesEnter information to maintain accounting systems and reports and calculate costs & changes in the systemIdentify and correct inaccuracies by initiating appropriate changesFacilitate communication to correct inaccuracies or ensure the accuracy and validity of forms, statements, and reportsPerform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably with the scope of the duties in this job classification

Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesAbility to proficiently use Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word, Accounting Management Systems, and/or Enterprise Resource Programs, accompanied by the aptitude to learn new or evolving software and systems.Excellent communication and influencing skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with audiences at all management levels.Ability to perform transactional tasks with a low margin of error.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and deliver high-quality support to the team promptly.Skilled at providing exceptional customer service with the ability to recognize the value of extraordinary customer service.Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems.Ability to learn new or evolving software and systems rapidly, and adapt quickly to changing situations.

Qualifications – RequiredKnowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Accounting; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in financial statement and report preparation, general ledger accounting and budgeting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications – DesiredAt least three years of experience with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word, Accounting Management Systems, and/or Enterprise Resource Programs.Experience with and knowledge of Michigan State University policies and practices.Experience with Enterprise Resource Programs, particularly EBS and IFS.Experience communicating effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.

MSU Careers Posting #941823