Assistant or Associate Director of Business Operations

University of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a detail-oriented Accountant to support the financial operations of a dynamic athletic program. This role offers the chance to enhance your accounting skills while managing a variety of financial transactions and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. You will work in a vibrant environment, contributing to the financial success of a $200+ million program. If you have a strong analytical mindset and a passion for finance, this opportunity will allow you to thrive and grow in your career while making a significant impact on the organization.

Benefits

Excellent Benefits Package

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Work Hours

Qualifications

• 2+ years of related professional work experience required.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting principles.

Responsibilities

• Process financial transactions including revenue and expense entries.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements and reports.
• Assist in monthly and annual financial reporting.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Bachelor's Degree in Finance

Tools

Automated Accounting Systems

Spreadsheets

Word Processing Software

ShopUW+

Workday

Job description

Job Summary:

The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Wisconsin- Madison (Wisconsin Athletics) is a nationally recognized, self-sustaining organization that supports 23 NCAA Division I sports and over 750 student-athletes. The Business Office, located in Kellner Hall at Camp Randall Stadium, plays a critical role in ensuring financial accountability and efficiency by managing revenue, expenses, and operations to support one of the nation's premier athletic programs.

Under the direction of the Director of Business Operations, this position is open at both the Accountant II and Accountant III levels, offering an opportunity to apply and expand your accounting expertise in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This role supports the financial operations of a $200+ million athletic program, handling revenue transactions, expense processing, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple financial tasks efficiently. As part of Wisconsin Athletics, you will contribute to maintaining financial accuracy and compliance while developing your professional skills in a dynamic and impactful setting.

Principal Duties:

1. Process a variety of financial transactions, including revenue and expense entries related to ticket sales, donations, University Ridge, Cvent, camps, daily wires, travel expenses, reconciliations, journal entries, and schedules.
2. Prepare, organize, and analyze financial statements; month- and year-end journal entries; accounts; ledgers; and reports using automated financial systems.
3. Assist in monthly and annual financial reporting, support internal and external audits, and contribute to the development and analysis of departmental, campus, and external reports.
4. Provide training and guidance on accounting procedures to staff.
5. Respond to internal and external accounting inquiries, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
6. Assist with quarterly and annual budget review processes.
7. Contribute to the annual audit process.
8. Help establish and maintain effective internal controls.
9. Exercise independent judgment in accounting and financial reporting responsibilities.
10. Assist with purchasing and approval workflows in ShopUW+ and Workday.
11. May supervise one or more student employees.

Education:

Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is preferred.

Qualifications:

This position is posted at the levels of Accountant II (Assistant Director of Business Operations) and Accountant III (Associate Director of Business Operations). The level of the position will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications:

1. Two (2) or more years of related, professional work experience.
2. Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and the ability to develop financial statements under GAAP.
3. Advanced understanding of financial reporting principles and significant experience with automated accounting systems.
4. High proficiency in computer applications, including spreadsheets and word processing.
5. Strong analytical skills with the ability to independently research, interpret, and resolve complex accounting issues.
6. Excellent time management skills and proven ability to meet multiple deadlines in a dynamic environment.
7. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience collaborating across departments in a team-oriented environment.
8. Excellent organizational skills, including substantial experience in formal documentation, record-keeping, and audit preparation.
9. Demonstrated ability to review and improve processes.

Preferred Qualifications (a plus, but not required):

1. Experience using University financial applications and databases.
2. Familiarity with state statutes, University policies, and NCAA financial regulations.
3. One (1) or more years of experience in public accounting, intercollegiate athletics accounting, or a University/State accounting department.

License/Certification:

Preferred: Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum: $48,107 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
The typical starting salary for Accountant II ranges from $63,000 to $70,000, and for Accountant III ranges from $75,000 to $82,000, depending on qualifications and experience. There may be flexibility for highly qualified candidates.

Additional Information:

Conditions of Appointment: This is a 100% Academic Staff appointment. Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is also included. 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 need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

How to Apply:

To ensure full consideration, please submit your completed application no later than 11:55 p.m. CST on the Apply By date. Your application should include:

1. A cover letter detailing how your qualifications and experiences align with the responsibilities of the position.
2. A comprehensive resume.

Please note that if you are identified as finalists for the position, a reference check will be conducted at that time. Applicants selected to proceed in the selection process will be notified directly. All applicants will receive notification once a final selection has been made and the search is complete.

The deadline for assuring full consideration is 4/30/25, however, this position will remain open and applications may be considered until this position is filled.

Contact:

Tianwei Miller
[e-mail]
608-265-4138
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Accountant II(FN002) or Accountant III(FN003)

Department(s):

A42-INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS/GENERAL OPERATNS/BUSINESS

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

313956-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.