Financial Specialist III

The duties of this position involve processing a broad range of accounting transactions and providing administrative support functions to the Office of Financial Administration. Most significant among these are the capital project expenditures for the UW System for all UW campuses other than UW-Madison, vendor payments, preparation of many systemwide billings, cost transfers, and maintenance of accounts receivable records. In addition, the position is a contact for all UWSA support staff with respect to transaction processing issues. Such responsibilities require a comprehensive understanding of UW and State policies and procedures. The position also provides training on the use of the Workday Accounting information system, guidance in processing all manner of accounting transactions and assists department personnel in meeting their accounting responsibilities. This position is also responsible for the creation of reports for departments and leadership to support decision making. The position acts under the direction of the UWSA Financial Manager with minimal supervision.

Processing and auditing of accounting transactions, reconciliation of accounts, and monitoring budget to actual reports.

• Processes vouchers, invoices, journals, and salary transfers accurately and timely.
• Process all deposits accurately and timely as required by State Statute 20.906.   Monitor daily deposit reports to ensure all staff have completed timely processing.
• Monitors and reconciles various clearing and departmental accounts, including budget to actual reports, using tools such as Workday. Trains and assists departmental staff in the use of Workday.
• Assist UWSA departmental personnel in the processing of accounting transactions within Workday.
• Preparation and processing of Systemwide billings.
• Maintain miscellaneous accounts receivable records within the ERP system. Responsible for running the aging report and ensuring proper collection efforts are completed.
• Reconcile credit card, UW Help electronic application process (e-app), and wire transfer receipts.
• Preparation of fiscal year end reports and management reports to assist departments and leadership with decision making.

Processes vouchers, invoices, journals, and salary transfers accurately and timely.

• Process all deposits accurately and timely as required by State Statute 20.906. Monitor daily deposit reports to ensure all staff have completed timely processing.
• Monitors and reconciles various clearing and departmental accounts, including budget to actual reports, using tools such as Workday. Trains and assists departmental staff in the use of Workday.
• Assist UWSA departmental personnel in the processing of accounting transactions within Workday.
• Preparation and processing of Systemwide billings.
• Maintain miscellaneous accounts receivable records within the ERP system. Responsible for running the aging report and ensuring proper collection efforts are completed.
• Reconcile credit card, UW Help electronic application process (e-app), and wire transfer receipts.
• Preparation of fiscal year end reports and management reports to assist departments and leadership with decision making.

Perform financial management responsibilities related to capital projects for all UW campuses (other than UW-Madison) utilizing the separate Department of Administration ERP system.

• Process purchase orders relating to capital project financial activity.
• Process invoices for payment relating to capital project financial activity.
• Process capital project closeout for all UW campuses (other than UW-Madison).

Other

• Actively review and recommend process improvements and automation into current business processes.
• Ensure documentation is maintained according to the proper record retention schedules.
• Assist with any other internal and external financial reporting as requested by the Financial Manager, System Controller, or Senior Associate Vice President for Finance.
• Attends training sessions and educational programs to further develop technology skills, knowledge, and techniques related to the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Familiarity with policies and procedures related to processing financial transactions 
• Knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable and adjusting journal entries 
• Knowledge of fund accounting
• Knowledge of computer operations including Windows Office Suite and email
• Proficiency with Excel and ability to create spreadsheets and reports
• Knowledge and experience using online and web-based financial management and accounting systems and databases as well as the ability to query and compile financial data from systems
• Effective organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently
• Effective professional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to make independent judgments and set priorities to meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to analyze, interpret and problem solve
• Ability to collect, analyze, organize, and report data as required
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and individuals including staff, administrators, and outside contacts

• Reviews transaction processing internal controls and recommends policies and procedures

• Serve as a unit liaison to leadership providing financial advice, recommendations, and financial status updates

The Department of Financial Administration has the primary responsibility for the fiscal integrity of the University of Wisconsin System. It is expected to provide a financial environment that is secure, encourages the accomplishment of academic missions, provides timely and accurate information, and assists all levels of management in making prudent financial decisions.

The Financial Specialist III is considered a full-time academic staff position. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $49,300 - $59,300 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications. 

Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the  Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees. Please see this link for total compensation information: UW System Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator.    

• Associate degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related field, or 3-5 years of work experience in a similar role  

• Excellent organizational, communication and customer service skills 

• Intermediate Excel skills 

• Knowledge of University and State of Wisconsin financial, purchasing and budget policies  

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to research and resolve issues in a timely manner  

• Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and learn and pursue process improvements  

The office location is 780 Regent Street in Madison, WI. Telecommuting or hybrid work options may be available, with a minimum in-office expectation of three (3) days per week. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.

Conditions of Employment

The Universities of Wisconsin will not sponsor a work visa for this position at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire. 

Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through Monday July 20, 2026. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled. To receive full consideration, applicants are required to apply online and provide in PDF format a Resume and Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications.

Questions may be addressed to [email protected]

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting [email protected]. 

This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with the Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on, before, or after the effective date of appointment.   

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). 

Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees  or University Staff   Please see this link for total compensation information: Universities of Wisconsin Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to provide you with total compensation information. 

The Universities of Wisconsin provides statistics on campus crime in its Annual Security Report.  For more information on university campus statistics see https://www.wisconsin.edu/compliance/clery/.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.