Accountant/Accounting Analyst - Division of Finance

The University of Pennsylvania, a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation, is the largest private employer in Philadelphia. This Ivy League institution offers a unique working environment with a beautiful urban campus and access to a wide range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

About the Role

Under general supervision of the Director, Corporate Tax Compliance and Payroll and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this role is responsible for all financial accounting matters related to payroll as well as managing compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and internal University policies/procedures. The ideal candidate will support diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency efforts within the Division of Finance.

Responsibilities

• Provide accounting expertise in general ledger account reconciliation, analysis, and substantiation; bank account reconciliations; payroll escheat process and due diligence; and all posting, reviewing, and balancing of general ledger activity related to payroll as well as unclaimed property reporting.
• Support/execute general accounting, financial reporting, and various other accounting functions, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes and analysis.
• Accurately reconcile monthly payroll liability and withholding accounts; promptly identify and resolve reconciling items; precisely record adjusting entries as needed.
• Accurately reconcile monthly payroll expense accounts; promptly identify and resolve reconciling items; precisely record adjusting entries as needed.
• Manage the payroll escheat process, including identification of uncashed checks, follow-up with payees, reporting to respective states, and reissuing claimed property.
• Calculate payroll expense and employee benefits related to health affiliates CPUP and CHOPPA; prepare monthly estimated billings and true-ups; resolve billing discrepancies.
• Perform monthly reconciliation of the payroll bank account; identify and resolve reconciling items; record adjusting entries as needed.
• Calculate and record monthly payroll-related accruals, including salary and unused vacation accruals.
• Respond to information requests for various audits and surveys (e.g., annual financial audit, workers' compensation, economic impact survey).
• Research federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and draft memos/white papers on compliance issues.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a minimum of two to three years of related experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience); five to seven years' relevant experience preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and general accounting structure.
• Strong payroll reporting/background and analytical skills.
• Payroll tax experience required; multi-state payroll tax experience preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; Workday experience preferred.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed and decentralized environment, navigate ambiguity, and support diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Flexibility, effective judgment, discretion, and ability to handle confidential financial matters.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition Assistance: Exceptional tuition benefits for you, your spouse, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement Plans: Generous retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options and a variety of investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid time off for vacations, personal affairs, illness, or injury.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage for long-term care services at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility (with favorable terms for new hires).
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personal and professional growth.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural/recreational activities (many free or discounted for employees and families).
• Discounts and Special Services: Savings on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular plans, movie tickets, and theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches to work hours, locations, and job structures to promote work-life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loans for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses (up to two adoptions per household).

Pay

Salary offers range from $51,824 to $80,000 annually, based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they relate to the position, as well as internal and market factors. The expected target salary for a candidate meeting all requirements is up to $80,000 annually.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania