Department

F&A Financial Systems Transformation

About the Department

The Financial Systems Transformation (FST) Team is working to replace the University’s 40 year old, cobalt based Financial Accounting System with Oracle Cloud ERP. FST is a part of Finance and Administration which oversees a variety of areas including financial services, information technology services, risk management, internal audit, compliance, human resources, and shared services. The goal of our division is to provide the services and support needed to foster an environment of academic and research excellence at the University of Chicago. Our team is dedicated to collaborative partnerships with our colleagues and customers that lay the foundation for an exemplary service delivery process. Finance and Administration is fully aligned with the strategic and academic priorities of the University, and each of the units within our division is tasked with implementing the processes necessary to achieve lasting excellence.

Job Summary

Act as the accounting liaison for the financial systems transformation program team. Under general direction, performs a variety of senior level accounting activities, which require advanced professional competency of accounting theories and principles at the senior non-management level. Examines, analyzes, and interprets complex accounting records for the purpose of ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Prepares income and balance sheet statements, consolidated statements, and various other specialized accounting statements and reports. Advises others on accounting systems or other financial and budgetary data. May recommend methods for improved operations to management. May provide functional advice or training to other team members.

Responsibilities

• Acts as link between accounting team and core finance area.
• Supports Chart of Accounts mapping effort including project management, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Performs all related accounting functions required to maintain the general ledger in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and University policies and procedures.
• Responsible for monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts.
• Responsible for monthly analysis of income statement activity.
• Prepares various financial statements.
• Prepares year end workpapers for auditors.
• Participates in the implementation of new accounting standards applicable to the University. These activities may include analysis and interpretation of new standards, documentation of applicability and accounting impact to consolidated financial statements as well as drafting any required disclosures.
• Oversees the general accounting general inquiry ticketing system.
• Trains and supervises accounting staff.
• Provides accounting support to campus units.
• Supports the annual tax reporting process. These activities may include preparing various supporting schedules.
• Participates in the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the ERP system including serving as the chart of accounts liaison.
• Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to perform a variety of complex operating or cost accounting activities, incorporating accounting theories and principles.
• Guides others and acts as a resource on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting.
• MBA.

Experience:

• Implementing of a new ERP system.
• Training or supervising team members.
• Public accounting experience.
• Oracle Cloud ERP and/or chart of accounts mapping experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Competencies

• Communicate accounting and financial information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail, strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations.
• Establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Flexibility to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure on high visibility, high stakes projects.
• Intellectual versatility and creativity.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.