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 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 have enriched the world. Supporting this mission is Stanford has 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 childcare center for Stanford families.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Accountant will support the Project Accounting team within the Capital Accounting department. As of the end of fiscal year 2018, Stanford University had gross Property, Plant & Equipment in excess of $11.3 billion and a net book value that was over $6.5 billion.

The Senior Accountant will work closely with other members of the Capital Accounting team, as well as business partners across the Stanford community. The Senior Accountant will perform complex accounting functions including designing and performing ad hoc analysis; analyzing large data sets; reconciling capital project activities; analysis of large capital project expenditures; guiding business partners with subject matter expertise relating to capital projects and ensuring that the University maintains its high standard of financial accountability and controls. 

This position requires strong critical thinking, analytical skills, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles knowledge. It also requires the ability to establish and/or maintain strong internal controls plans previously established, and helping to drive process improvements and system developments.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

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 clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences and client groups.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to contribute/lead as part of a multi-functional team.

Certifications and Licenses:

None
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently sit, sort, file paperwork or parts, grasp lightly, and use fine manipulation, lift, carry, push and pull objects that weigh 10 pounds or less.
• Occasionally write by hand, twist, bend, stoop and squat.
• Rarely stand, walk, reach or work above shoulders and use a telephone.

* - 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 the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work extended hours during peak business cycles.

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, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Additional Information

Schedule: Full-time
Job Code: 4443
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: J
Requisition ID: 84866