Payroll Accountant

Accountant 2
Job Family: Finance
Job Series: Accounting
Job Code: 4442
Classification Level: H
Exemption: Exempt
Effective/Revision Date: 1/25/2021

Accountant, Payroll Accounting

Impact a Legacy

Consider all the lives saved over the many years as a result of Stanford’s innovation in the medical field. Imagine a world without the internet and social platforms. Did you know Stanford pioneered the procedure for organ transplants and also created the first website in the United States? All of these advances and more, are a direct result of Stanford University’s prominent faculty, researchers and alumni, who have revolutionized the way we live and enriched the world. Supporting this mission is Stanford’s dedicated 16,000 staff, who come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are 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 a highly complex and constantly changing backdrop, Financial Management Services 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 200 professionals, responsible for a broad range of financial activities, including Financial Accounting and Reporting, Payroll, Procurement Services, and Tax Compliance.

Our new Stanford Redwood City campus, which opened this spring, is the workplace for approximately 2,700 staff whose jobs are important to supporting the university’s mission. The campus brings departments together in a collaborative environment that reflects Stanford’s culture and mission. The campus offers amenities such as onsite cafes and a dining pavilion, a high-end fitness facility with an outdoor pool, and a child care center for Stanford families.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Accountant will have responsibility for a range of accounting and analytical activities in support of the University’s payroll function. As part of the Financial Management Services team, you will be integral to our mission of leading and managing the financial activities of the University. Within our culture of collaboration, you will be encouraged to refine and streamline processes, shaping the direction of this position and enhancing your opportunities for skill development.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE*:

• Analyze accounting transactions and information to summarize current financial position at the unit or organization-wide level. Construct and assemble data for decision making; develop conclusions, and present high Level summary of recommendations.
• Capture, track, and report revenue and expenses; determine appropriate procedures for accounting record preparation, research of transactions and reporting. Oversee, reconcile, and resolve problems relative to complicated accounts.
• Collect data and perform research on details of transactions. Generate, review, analyze and communicate financial data that reflects actual financial performance against approved budgets.
• Prepare and present quantitative and qualitative analyses focusing on variances from budget and prior data.
• Maintain and review accounting process controls; recommend and implement any approved modifications; perform preliminary analysis and recommend solutions. Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentation for area of responsibility.
• Run and analyze financial reports, often from multiple systems; prepare management information reports.
• Execute internal control programs established by management, research new regulations, and recommend and implement approved changes. May manage compliance program for area of responsibility, and create complex compliance reports.
• Contribute to unit and organization strategy; assist in the development of change management plans and materials as needed. Participate as a member of a project team; support new initiatives. Make decisions determining approach to managing and completing processes.
• Participate in critical analysis of existing systems and processes, and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Define requirements, develop and implement complex test cases, perform system testing and analyze results.
• Serve as a resource to local units and other departments to resolve accounting-related issues.
• May act as a lead, train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed.
• Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.
• Assist with special projects as needed.
• Serve as back-up for other team members as needed.

• - Other duties may also be assigned

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS POSITION, YOU WILL BRING:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree plus four years of applicable experience, or combination of education and relevant work experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Intermediate proficiency in business applications, such as Microsoft Office; intermediate Excel skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with accounting systems and the internet; computer literacy.
• Understanding of and ability to apply accounting skills and concepts.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute as part of a project team.

Certifications and Licenses:

None

IN ADDITION, PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• Experience working in a University environment, preferably with payroll and/or accounting systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience with, ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft or Oracle, with proven ability to apply knowledge to understand new systems and processes.
• Working knowledge of SQL or similar scripting language to be able to write scripts to extract data for analysis.
• 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:

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

HOW TO APPLY:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply Online” link. Please submit an online application, resume, and cover letter.

WHY STANFORD IS FOR YOU:

We provide market competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our unique perks align with what matters to you:

• Freedom to grow. As one of the greatest intellectual hubs in the world, take advantage of development programs, tuition reimbursement plus $800 you receive annually towards skill-building classes, or audit a Stanford course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues.
• A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support.
• A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums. Create an avatar and participate in virtual reality adventures or join one with fellow staff on Stanford vacations!
• Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computing, cell phones, outdoor recreation, travel, entertainment, and more!

Stanford University’s commitment to safely and effectively meet the public health challenge presented by COVID-19 extends to ensuring University employees may work from home, or another off-site location, where determined appropriately, whenever necessary until deemed safe". The department will give reasonable notice when employees are expected to return to work at the Redwood City campus.

We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.