Accountant III
Job Summary
The Accountant III supports Huntsman Cancer Institute’s research mission by providing accurate financial information, maintaining strong internal controls, and delivering exceptional service to internal and external stakeholders. This position is responsible for recharge center invoicing, accounts receivable management, reconciliations, financial reporting, and month-end and year-end accounting activities. The Accountant III serves as a trusted financial partner, identifies opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies, and contributes to sound financial stewardship that supports HCI’s research and operational goals.
Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve – which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming – with impact worldwide.
In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s mission and this position.
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities
- Execute and monitor established internal controls to ensure compliance with HCI and university policies and procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting accuracy, efficiency, and internal controls.
- Process and record recharge center invoices accurately and timely.
- Monitor accounts receivable balances and follow up on outstanding invoices to support timely collections.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations and supporting schedules.
- Analyze financial transactions and investigate discrepancies, ensuring timely resolution.
- Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and account analysis.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial reports to support management decision-making and operational needs.
- Serve as a trusted financial resource by providing responsive customer service, clear guidance and timely support to stakeholders.
- Participate in system enhancements, testing, automation initiatives, and implementation of new accounting processes.
Accountants, III
Prepare standard and specialized financial reports (e.g., balance sheets, income statements, monthly closing reports) according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Compile and analyze financial information to prepare entries into accounts, such as general ledger accounts, and document business transactions. Establish, maintain, and coordinate the implementation of accounting and accounting control procedures. Analyze and review budgets and expenditures for local, national, and private funding, contracts, and/or grants. Considered highly skilled and proficient in discipline. Conducts complex, important work under minimal supervision and with wide latitude for independent judgment.
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Accountants, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Preferred
- CPA, CMA, MBA or MAcc.
- Experience with fund accounting in a higher education, research, or nonprofit environment.
- Knowledge of applicable University of Utah policies, procedures, and financial systems.
- Experience with process automation, workflow improvement, or data analytics tools.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).
- Six or more years of progressive accounting experience.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, fund accounting, and internal controls.
- Proficiency with accounting systems.
- Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large data sets.
- Experience preparing financial reports, reconciliations, and financial analyses.
Core Competencies
- Accuracy & Attention to Detail
- Process Optimization
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Time Management & Prioritization
- Adaptability & Positive Change Management
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
