If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
Job Description
The Senior Technical Accountant is a high-impact individual contributor with a solid foundation in public accounting or financial reporting and demonstrated technical accounting research capabilities - ideally with exposure to or interest in the nonprofit sector. This role sits at the intersection of technical accounting judgment and cross-functional partnership - serving as a critical resource for WGU and its affiliated entities on complex accounting matters. If you have built your career in public accounting or financial reporting and are ready to bring that rigor to a mission-driven university, this role is for you.What You Will Do
Draft and maintain technical accounting memos documenting the appropriate treatment for new, complex, or non-routine transactions in accordance with GAAP.
Report to the Controller and collaborate closely with the VP of Accounting and Finance Operations to analyze financial statements and determine the correct accounting and reporting approach for complex transactions.
Serve as a technical resource on revenue recognition including grants and contributions accounting, ensuring revenue is recognized in compliance with ASC 606 and ASC 958, and donor restrictions are properly tracked and reported.
Coordinate external audit activities including preparing PBC schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring work papers are audit ready.
Assist with preparation and review of IRS Form 990s, coordinating closely with external tax preparers to ensure accuracy and timely filing.
Perform and document internal control assessments; identify gaps, recommend improvements, and support remediation efforts.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
CPA certification required
3–5 years of progressive experience, preferably including public accounting, technical accounting, audit, or financial reporting experience.
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, financial statements, and footnote disclosures
Demonstrated ability to research technical accounting issues and produce clear, well-reasoned accounting memos.
Sound professional judgment and critical thinking skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and make well-reasoned accounting decisions.
Hands-on experience supporting audit engagements.
Understanding of internal controls frameworks; experience documenting, assessing, and improving control environments.
Nonprofit tax experience is a plus but not required.
Advanced proficiency in Excel
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft technical accounting documentation and explain complex concepts to non-accounting stakeholders.
A growth mindset with a track record of staying current on technical accounting standards and actively seeking opportunities to grow your skills and expertise.
High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while collaborating effectively within a team.
Preferred Qualifications
A combination of public and non-profit industry accounting experience.
Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards
Experience in multi-entity structures
Demonstrated curiosity and willingness to leverage AI, automation, and technology tools to improve accounting processes and analysis.
#LI-AE1
Position & Application Details
Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.
Additional Information
Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.
Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- CPA certification
- 3-5 years of progressive experience in accounting
- Strong knowledge of US GAAP, financial statements, and disclosures
- Ability to research technical accounting issues and produce documentation
- Experience supporting audit engagements
- Knowledge of internal controls frameworks
- Advanced proficiency in Excel
What We Do
Western Governors University is a private, nonprofit online university that provides accessible, competency-based education designed for working professionals.
