Accountant Lead

Date Revised: 07/27/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Accountant Lead

Job Category: Exempt

PCLS: 30101

Salary Grade: I

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 Lead is distinguished from the Accountant Senior in that the incumbents in the Lead position manage the preparation of the Facilities and Administration cost study with its corresponding audit by the federal Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). Additionally, this classification manages the financial analysis, accounting, and compliance of all Service Centers as well as the NCAA report preparation and audit.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities

The Accountant Lead reports to the Controller. This classification oversees the work of others, including planning, assigning, scheduling, and reviewing work.

Typical Functions

1. Prepares the University’s facilities and administration (F&A) cost study in order to generate a rate proposal to submit to Office of Naval Research (ONR); and negotiates the final rate.

2. Manages the financial analysis, accounting, and compliance of all Service centers. 3. Manages and coordinates ongoing audits by DCAA of the F&A rate calculation and actual costs

of the University. 4. Resolves audit issues and negotiates F&A rates with ONR. 5. Defends and supports expenses and calculations of expenses across the University spectrum.6. Works with auditors to ensure smooth audits and accurate interpretation.7. Performs analysis of data.8. Coordinates and conducts the required space surveys for the rate calculation including physical

inspections, interviews with departmental personnel, collaboration with Facilities, and analysis of their space documentation.

9. Supervises employees.10. Supervises Service Center accounting and financial analysis.

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Accountant Lead

Date Revised: 07/27/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

11. Serves as the expert in the compliance area for service centers as they relate to federal grants and contracts.

12. Resolves compliance issues and ensures proper calculation of service center rates charged to federal contracts and campus departments.

13. Oversees the preparation and management of the NCAA reports and manages all the corresponding external audits.

14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices within area of accounting specialty.

2. Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations, and University financial policies and procedures.

3. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources.

4. Ability to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections using spreadsheet and database software.

5. Ability to prepare research reports and proposals.6. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work

assignments.7. Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting

applications.8. Organizing and coordinating skills.9. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.10. Ability to understand and apply University policies and procedures and applicable local, state,

and federal regulations as they relate to revenues, expenditures, and grant funding.11. Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills and the ability to work

effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.12. Ability to investigate and analyze information, draw conclusions, and resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus eight years of experience or an equivalent combination of 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

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Accountant Lead

Date Revised: 07/27/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

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:

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.

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 initiative.3. 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 Lead

Date Revised: 07/27/2018

JOB DESCRIPTION

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