OVERVIEW
Financial Management Services (FMS), a department within Business Affairs, is responsible for creating an ecosystem which promotes innovative and sound financial administration policies and practices that balance controls, compliance, and customer service. FMS is primarily responsible for financial policy oversight, quality assurance and financial services at Stanford University and its affiliated entities. It also serves as a liaison to the hospitals and the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). The FMS work environment is grounded by core values that include cultivating growth, celebration and appreciation, and collaborating with curiosity in order to nurture an inclusive environment where everyone is valued, respected, and can thrive.
JOB PURPOSE:
Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work.
In a highly complex and constantly changing backdrop, the University Controller’s Office is responsible for creating an environment, which promotes innovative and sound business policies, and practices that balance controls, compliance, and customer service. The organization consists of approximately 40 professionals, responsible for a broad range of financial activities, including Capital Accounting, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Fund Accounting, Investment Accounting, Global Business Services, and Gift Securities. We have a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global sphere.
In this challenging and rewarding position, you will make key contributions to the Capital Accounting team. Applying effective accounting technical skills, financial stewardship, and governance processes are keys to success with this position.
The Senior Accountant will support the Manager, Capital Accounting Project Accountants, by performing complex accounting functions. This includes designing and executing ad hoc analyses, reviewing large datasets, and overseeing capital project expenditures. The role also involves providing expert guidance on capital projects to business partners, ensuring the University upholds its high standards of financial accountability and internal controls.
This position requires strong critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Senior Accountant will play a key role in maintaining existing internal control frameworks and driving process improvements, as well as contributing to system developments that enhance operational efficiency.
CORE DUTIES*:
- Perform complex and detailed reconciliations, closure processes, research and critical analyses. Identify, prioritize, and resolve complex financial issues, which may span multiple areas; identify underlying issues; recognize exceptions; recommend solutions.
- Research possible solutions and make recommendations to department leadership based on audit / report reviews and identified accounting issues; advise leadership regarding business activities; provide cost analyses; plan studies; and determine business activity costs.
- Research, and synthesize data; interpolate results from large amounts of data, identify trends in data, draw conclusions, develop solutions, present and implement recommendations, and create follow up analysis.
- Develop complex financial data and metrics, reports for a variety of internal and external audiences.
- Develop, design, or modify solutions for major segments of a program or accounting system; develop, recommend, implement and document new or revised policies and procedures.
- Review, design, and implement appropriate internal control programs, research new regulations, and implement approved changes.
- Manage compliance program for area of responsibility, interpret internal policy and external regulations, and create and/or review complex compliance reports.
- Lead and execute unit or cross functional projects and teams, make decisions regarding projects and programs affecting operational effectiveness, policies, or processes.
- Lead and support unit and organization strategy and change management initiatives. Analyze existing systems and processes; identify greater efficiencies and improved internal controls opportunities; incorporate new regulations; recommend solutions that may require policy changes or new processes.
- Develop, recommend and implement new or revised policies and procedures for better controls and efficiencies. Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes, identifying and implementing process improvement opportunities.
- May act as a lead, train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.
- * Other duties may also be assigned
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION, YOU WILL BRING:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree plus eight years of applicable experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Advanced proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office; advanced Excel skills.
- Advanced knowledge of accounting systems and the internet; computer literacy.
- Ability to interpret and apply advanced accounting knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to internal and external audiences and client groups.
- Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute/lead as part of a multi-functional team.
IN ADDITION, PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
- Experience working in a University environment
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience with, ERP systems, preferably Oracle, with proven ability to apply knowledge to understand new systems and processes.
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines and customer service response standards.
- Proven ability to apply knowledge to analyze and interpret business policies and external regulations and translate them into compliant and efficient accounting processes.
- Ability to observe trends in data, recommending and helping to implement solutions to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy of data.
- Strong customer-oriented approach to managing work.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
WORK STANDARDS:
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide.
Stanford University seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world and, in turn, is dedicated to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
Stanford’s Business Affairs provides administrative policies, infrastructure, systems, services, and support for the benefit of the university community.
Why Stanford is for You:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
- Redwood City. Our new Stanford Redwood City campus, which opened in 2019, is the workplace for approximately 2,700 staff, including FMS, whose jobs are important to supporting the university’s mission.
