THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND                   Position # 106685 (NUNC)

                                                                                      Position Description             

TITLE:                        Chief Accountant

DIVISION:                 Business and Finance

REPORTS TO:          Associate Controller

GRADE:                     13

SUPERVISES:           General Accounting staff

BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide technical accounting and procedural support to the Controller and the Controller's staff in establishing, coordinating, and maintaining, through authorized management of an integrated plan and system, the control of University operations in accordance with approved policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide support to the Controller in the long- and short-term fiscal planning processes.

Provide technical and professional accounting and procedural support to the Controller and the Controller's staff in the execution of control functions, systematic recording of financial activity, and reporting of such activity, with specific emphasis on the completion of the annual financial statements and related audits.

Provide support for the preparation and presentation of all financial statements and supplementary reports in accordance with GASB, FASB, Federal A-133, and managerial requirements.

Participate in and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously as directed by the Controller in order to maintain coordination and balance among projects and various staff groups.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide appropriate support in the initiation, preparation and issuance of standard practices and procedures related to all accounting matters.

Provide appropriate support to the Controller and the Controller's staff in the establishment and coordination of relationships with numerous audit functions.

Perform other duties as required.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers and printers; word processing, database management and spreadsheet software.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:  Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required (degree in business with major in accounting or finance also acceptable).  The following are also required:  minimum of 2 years’ employment experience in public accounting with at least an additional 3 years of experience in internal auditing or financial reporting and financial analysis; demonstrated technical accounting proficiency in the preparation and presentation of comprehensive financial statements; significant progressive experience in financial analysis and management reporting; a good understanding of and experience in applying accounting standards (FASB/GASB/GAAP); knowledge of fixed assets system; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; strong computer skills, including spreadsheet, database management, query, and word processing; demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be a team player.  Preferred:  CPA; supervisory experience; experience at a complex research institution of higher education.

TO APPLY:

Submit (no emails or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 04-17-09 to:

Cynthia A. Mace, Search Chair
Requisition # 12450
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881

Salary Range:  $50,002 - $106,522

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.  The University of Rhode Island if an E-Verify employer.