Accounting Generalist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Virginia is seeking an Accounting Generalist to support daily financial operations, including payroll accounting, reconciliations, and collections. The role collaborates with Workday and other ERP systems to uphold the integrity of the general ledger and accounting data across academic and medical center entities.

The position emphasizes cross‑functional teamwork, SOP development, and response to leadership requests, with a focus on accuracy, timeliness, and process improvements in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• 1+ year of financial/accounting support or similar work experience; preferably in an academic environment
• Ability to carry out assigned reconciliations; identify and resolve discrepancies and recommend process improvements.
• Technical skills: intermediate Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.), familiarity with accounting software, and financial reporting tools.
• Demonstrated aptitude for acquiring and applying technical knowledge of ERP architectures and workflows, with hands‑on experience in environments such as Workday or comparable platforms.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, ability to problem‑solve, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize, work independently, and manage multiple deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve variances, anomalies, and discrepancies in payroll accounting transactions
• Process accounting entries as needed for academic, medical center and other related entities
• Carry out reconciliations across various general ledger balance sheet accounts as assigned
• Assist finance professionals across grounds with questions and/or requests
• Manage the collections process, which includes mailing letters, coordinating with customers to set up payment plans, transferring debts to collection agencies, and facilitating write-off approvals with management
• Monitor and validate account balances, ensuring they properly reflect operations and comply with accounting policies.

Skills

Excel

Workday

ERP systems

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Accounting software

ERP workflows

Pivot tables

Job description

The Accounting Generalist is responsible for carrying out daily operational tasks related to payroll accounting, banking, accounts receivable, and collections ensuring the integrity of the University’s general ledger. This position supports the financial accounting department by executing daily accounting tasks and functions which contribute to our stated goals of optimizing the use of Workday, validating our accounting records, and ensuring the integrity of our financial data.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate and resolve variances, anomalies, and discrepancies in payroll accounting transactions
• Process accounting entries as needed for academic, medical center and other related entities
• Carry out reconciliations across various general ledger balance sheet accounts as assigned
• Assist finance professionals across grounds with questions and/or requests
• Manage the collections process, which includes mailing letters, coordinating with customers to set up payment plans, transferring debts to collection agencies, and facilitating write-off approvals with management
• Monitor and validate account balances, ensuring they properly reflect operations and comply with accounting policies.

Workday / System Optimization & Controls

• Collaborate with Workday Finance Team, ITS, or consultants to test system changes, updates, and upgrades.
• Establish and document standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and internal controls tied to system-based processes.
• Conduct training, support, and troubleshooting for end users or departmental partners related to accounting transactions in Workday.

Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with other functional areas (budget, treasury, OSP, SFS, etc.) to streamline handoffs, reduce redundancies, and ensure clean data flow.
• Act as a liaison between accounting, finance, operations, and systems/support teams to ensure alignment.
• Respond to ad hoc requests from leadership or external stakeholders for analyses or reconciliations.

Other Duties

• Perform other related accounting or financial duties as assigned by Accounting Leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reconcile all balances for assigned accounts within the first 10 days of the end of the month (unless other due dates have been assigned).

Key Qualifications/Certifications

Qualifications for the Financial Analyst

Required (Minimum)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• One year or more of financial/accounting support or similar work experience; preferably in an academic environment
• Ability to carry out assigned reconciliations; identify and resolve discrepancies and recommend process improvements.
• Technical skills: intermediate Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.), familiarity with accounting software, and financial reporting tools.
• Demonstrated aptitude for acquiring and applying technical knowledge of ERP architectures and workflows, with hands‑on experience in environments such as Workday or comparable platforms.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, ability to problem‑solve, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize, work independently, and manage multiple deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

This position will remain open until filled. This is an exempt level, benefited position. The University will perform background checks on all hires (if required) prior to employment. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. For this role, the University will not sponsor or consider candidates requiring sponsorship for employment visas now or in the future. This is a two year term‑limited restricted position.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience: 2+ years of relevant experience required.
• Licensure: None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

REFERENCES

For finalists, references will be completed via UVA’s standardized process using SkillSurvey. A total of up to five references will be requested via SkillSurvey for top candidates during the final phase of the interview process. A total of three references is required.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.