Accountant | University of Kansas - Military Veterans

Position Overview The Mechanical Engineering Accountant must develop appropriate methods to accurately analyze financial information, make projections, reconcile accounts and projects on various funding sources, identify and correct discrepancies according to policies and procedures, and perform accounting functions accurately, completely, and in a timely manner. This position works on-site, but some remote work may be considered per mutual agreement between the department and the selected candidate. Job Description 55% Budget & Account Management: Works independently with the School of Engineering Business Manager and ETE Shared Service Center on the overall annual budget. Independently develops, analyzes, maintains, and provides forecasts on departmental and unit internal budget ledgers to ensure internal controls and provide accurate reporting. Works closely with Department Chair to develop both long-term and short-term spending plans for all department accounts. Advises Associate Chair and Graduate Director on student employee staffing levels, including GTAs, GRAs, and Class Assistants, based on availability of funds. Works in concert with Scholarship Committee(s) to manage scholarship accounts and properly allocate resources from year to year. Coordinates with School of Engineering regarding budget transfers and other funding agreements. Coordinates with School of Engineering and Shared Service Center to ensure successful closing of fiscal year funds. 10% Payroll & HR: Serves as a delegate for supervisors and manages timesheet adjustment and approvals in HR/Pay system. Oversees planning, implementation, and maintenance of the automated accounting ledgers to track payroll expenditures with regard to all Departmental funding sources for funded salary and fringe payments and help assure internal controls through reconciliation of account funding sources. Audits salary reports to ensure accurate payment and adherence to budgeted projections. Requests fund transfers when necessary to adequately cover all positions and pools. For cross-training purposes, attends meetings and remains current on payroll and equal opportunity policies and procedures. 10% Purchasing: Approves transactions on behalf of the Chair to ensure appropriate funding sources and adherence to the budget plan. Manages state (excluding income, senior design, and course fee) accounts in the department's name and review monthly statements for accuracy and ensure accounts remain in good standing. Resolves order discrepancies with vendors when necessary. 10% Capstone and Student Organizations: Works with capstone project students on purchasing, distributing orders, and maintaining budgets. Collects and processes capstone sponsorship payments. Oversees funds and spending of specific ME Student Organizations. 10% Other Duties: During peak processing times, there may be other Departmental duties as assigned by the Chair. 5% Graduate Program: Maintains financial spreadsheets and reports on the graduate program. Works with the Graduate Director, Chair, and Graduate Student Coordinator on GRA and GTA appointments. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field and 1 year of related experience OR an associate's degree and 3 years of related experience OR high school diploma with 4 years of related experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills as demonstrated by application materials and interview. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting Three years of experience in professional accounting and/or audit work Six years of experience in accounting support work Experience with fund accounting, as evidenced by work history Two or more years of advanced (use of functions, formulas, pivot tables, etc.) experience using Excel software as described in application materials Experience with PeopleSoft Financials or HR/Pay system, as evidenced by application materials Attention to detail, as indicated in application materials Excellent interpersonal skills, as evidenced by application materials Contact Information to Applicants Dr. Lisa Friis lfriis@ku.edu Additional Candidate Instruction In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position: Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications Resume List of three (3) professional references. Only complete applications will be considered. Application review begins March 17, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified. Advertised Salary Range $50,000 - $60,000 Application Review Begins 17-Mar-2025 Anticipated Start Date 14-Apr-2025 Primary Campus University of Kansas Lawrence Campus FTE 1.0 Reg/Temp Regular FLSA Status Nonexempt Employee Class U-Unclassified Professional Staff Work Location Assignment On-Site Disclaimer The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.