Accountant III

Date Revised: 02/12/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Accountant III

Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30099

Salary Grade: G

Summary

Incumbents in the Accountant series maintain and reconcile ledgers and accounts according to generally accepted accounting principles. Incumbents prepare and analyze financial information and prepare reports and financial statements based upon the analysis performed.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Accountant III is distinguished from the Accountant II in that incumbents in the III level are expected to possess the knowledge and experience to analyze, interpret, and resolve more complex problems and to complete more technical duties. Additionally, this classification has increased responsibility to train and oversee staff.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Accountant III reports to a Director or Manager. This classification trains and guides the work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work.

Typical Functions

1. Analyzes and monitors budgets and expenditures for compliance with fiscal accountability and reporting requirements.

2. Completes cost analyses.3. Reviews and prepares journal entries.4. Reconciles journal entries, monetary transfers, and inventory control procedures.5. Prepares financial reports and monitors reports for accuracy and completeness.6. Resolves basic accounting discrepancies.7. Interacts with departments and colleges as assigned.8. Prepares invoices to outside agencies.9. Reviews, analyzes, and verifies accuracy and completeness before approving entries and

requests processed by campus personnel.

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Accountant III

Date Revised: 02/12/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

10. Reviews new index and organization code requests, assigns numbers, and sets up accounts in Banner.

11. Administers the filing of sales tax to the State of Utah. Reviews the data collected and files tax reports to the state.

12. Compiles and reviews award and grant contracts.13. Analyzes complex financial data and reports the results and possible implications to the

requester in order to make sound business decisions.14. Makes recommendations regarding departmental accounting policies and procedures.15. Performs year end processing and preparation of financial statements.16. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Proficient in spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications. 2. Knowledge of federal and state regulations and University financial policies and procedures.3. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and/or

projections.4. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.5. Ability to set up and maintain financial accounts and ledgers.6. Ability to work independently and prioritize workload.7. Knowledge of financial software tools to quantify and illustrate routine financial reports,

statements, and/or projections.8. Skilled with balancing and reconciling accounts.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus four years of experience or equivalent education plus experience is required.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Fundamental Abilities

Within the scope and complexity of each position’s responsibilities, each incumbent is expected to possess and demonstrate the following abilities:

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Accountant III

Date Revised: 02/12/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Communicating : Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing. 2. Problem solving : Analyzes information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve

problems. 3. Monitoring : Measures performance of self; makes improvements and takes appropriate

corrective action.4. Critical Thinking : Comes to well-reasoned conclusions, solutions, and approaches to problems.5. Team Building : Works to create a team-based environment. Consistently demonstrates

cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers.6. Active Listening : Gives full attention when others are speaking; listens to understand, asks

questions as appropriate, and does not interrupt.7. Service Orientation : Actively seeks opportunities to help others.8. Conflict Resolution : Acts professionally when encountering customers who, at times, may be

frustrated or threatening.

Core Characteristics

As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:

1.

2. Take initiative3. Maintain confidentiality.4. Be accountable.5. Behave ethically.6. Be honest and trustworthy.7. Demonstrate a strong work ethic.

8. Be inquisitive.9. Be detail oriented.10. Be self-motivated.11. Efficiently manage multiple tasks.12. Be a team player.13. Be committed to improving USU.

Disclaimer This position description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the position.

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Accountant III

Date Revised: 02/12/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

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