Accountant III

Provides comprehensive financial oversight and accounting support for Athletics and associated program areas. Serves as a financial resource to department leadership and coaching staff while ensuring compliance with institutional, NCAA, Foundation, and federal reporting requirements. Collaborates with central Accounting and Budget Office to ensure compliance with campus and system requirements. Reports to the Budget Director, with a dotted supervisory line to the Athletic Director.

Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight & Reconciliation
  • Leads and executes development, organization, preparation, and updating of complex financial statements, journals, ledgers, and reports within an automated financial system to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions.
  • Performs complex accounting and auditing reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, and reports of team budgets, Athletics administrative budgets, and Foundation accounts.
  • Prepares and analyzes financial reports, data, and records; identifies discrepancies, investigates, and recommends solutions as needed.
  • Monitors automated financial systems, develops, and documents controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
  • Answers questions and provides accounting-related information to internal and external stakeholders according to established policies and procedures.
  • Facilitates training and provides financial guidance to management and staff.
• Budget Development & Management
  • Develops and manages complex work unit budgets, analyzing funding sources, operational needs, budget trends, and financial commitments.
  • Forecasts budget balances and recommends corrective action as needed.
  • Assists with NCAA tournament and hosting budgets, including tracking and reconciling NCAA tournament expenses.
  • Assists with preparation, review, and data entry for the federally required Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) report.
  • Ensures compliance with fundraising and raffle regulations.
• Procurement & Financial Systems
  • Assists with the generation and management of purchase orders, including standing purchase orders.
  • Reviews and coordinates vendor invoices and payments.
  • Assists with setup and reconciliation of cash drawers for concessions and event operations.
  • Assists with deposits and reconciliation of revenue for Athletics, Falcon Center, and facility rentals.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated competence in compliance with internal budget controls.
• Proven ability to build relationships and communicate financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience utilizing Workday Platform.
• Proven track record of working in Higher Education or the Public Sector.

Benefits

• Exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%.
• An attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave.