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About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Accountant I is responsible for managing College of Natural Sciences (CNS) and CNS Dean’s Office campus funds and provides support for business processes in CNS to meet operational and strategic objectives. Participates in financial analysis projects, examines accounting data, maintains accounting records, maintains a computerized financial management system to enable comprehensive budget reviews, and interprets and implements accounting and University financial policies.
Essential Functions
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Oversees financial matters related to assigned funds. Prepares and analyzes monthly financial reports. Forecasts for administrators and staff and identifies potential budget deviations.
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Compiles and analyzes data for revenue-based funds to complete the annual budget submission.
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Creates, prepares, and maintains PeopleSoft reports and Summit System queries to monitor accuracy of accounting transactions.
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Interprets and applies University fiscal policies, procedure, and guidelines to financial transactions and for all fund types including gift, grant, general operating funds, research trust funds, contracts, and revenue cost centers.
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Acts as the primary purchasing agent for department funds. Initiates purchase orders, obtains vendor quotes, prepares vendor contracts, and maintains complete, accurate, and audit-ready files on all department expenditures.
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Prepares and processes expense reallocations and journal entries in accord with the aforementioned policies.
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Coordinates, processes, and maintains Bank Card users and record files, including re-allocation of Bank Card expenses and reconciliation of statements.
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Assists Dean’s Office personnel with travel and serves as a certified travel preparer, reconciling payments and processing related forms, statements, and disbursement documents. Processes appropriate information to ensure timely payment and/or reimbursement.
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Partners with University personnel when responding to audit requests.
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Informs and advises faculty and staff on issues of financial policy compliance.
Other Functions
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Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.
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Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
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Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
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Associate Degree in Accounting or related financial field and three (3) years of experience in accounting or financial management or an equivalent combination of education and experience. One (1) year of relevant experience may be substituted for every one (1) year of required academia.
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Positive attitude that focuses on community.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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The ability to maintain confidentiality.
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Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, working while balancing demands of concurrent with potentially competing deadlines.
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Ability to work effectively, prioritize, and be flexible in a high-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
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Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related financial field.
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Proficiency with the use of PeopleSoft, Summit, or financial software for business process applications used by other large organizations.
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In-depth, working knowledge of spreadsheet software applications and competence in running queries in computerized databases.
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Experience submitting and following submissions through electronic workflows, such as BuyWays and travel reimbursements.
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Experience facilitating procurement activity for an organization.
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In depth knowledge of the University rules and procedures for Accounting, BuyWays, Travel, and Bank Card.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical Office Environment
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Salary Information
Grade 15
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references.
As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. ()
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and State Statues, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
