University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Accounting Analyst - Payroll Operations

Job Profile Title

Accountant/Financial Analyst

Job Description Summary

Under general supervision and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as well as federal, state, and local regulations and internal University policies and procedures, the role is responsible for all financial accounting matters related to payroll.

This includes general ledger account reconciliation, analysis, and substantiation; bank account reconciliations; payroll escheat process and due diligence; and all posting, reviewing, and balancing of general ledger activity related to payroll as well as unclaimed property reporting.

In the Division of Finance, we recognize diversity and inclusion is paramount to a positive and thriving work environment; it is a business imperative. We are committed to actively fostering diversity, inclusion and cultural competency throughout our research, development, and operational efforts in the Division of Finance. This role will be critical in supporting those efforts and demonstrating behaviors and competencies that reflect Penn's values.

We take pride in the myriad ways that diversity enriches our curriculum, and the cultural and social life of our campus. Penn's commitment to achieving eminence through diversity is ultimately a commitment to creating a more vibrant university so that our graduates will be both stimulated and empowered to shape a better world.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Provide accounting expertise in general ledger account reconciliation, analysis, and substantiation; bank account reconciliations; payroll escheat process and due diligence; and all posting, reviewing, and balancing of general ledger activity related to payroll as well as unclaimed property reporting.
• Accurately reconcile monthly payroll liability and withholding accounts; prompt identification and resolution of reconciling items; precise recording of adjusting entries as needed.
• Accurately reconcile monthly payroll expense accounts; prompt identification and resolution of reconciling items; precise recording of adjusting entries as needed.
• Responsible for accurate and timely payroll escheat process, including identification of uncashed checks and follow-up with payees for uncashed checks over 90 days; identification of checks to be reported to the respective states and upload to unclaimed property software; reconciliation of amounts to be reported to the states; reissue of claimed property.
• Calculate payroll expense and employee benefits related to health affiliates CPUP and CHOPPA; preparation of monthly estimated billings and true-ups; communication with health affiliates to resolve any billing discrepancies.
• Accurate and precise monthly reconciliation of payroll bank account; identification and resolution of reconciling items; recording of adjusting entries as needed.
• Calculate and record monthly payroll-related accruals, including salary and unused vacation accruals.
• Respond to information requests for various audits and surveys, including annual financial audit, workers’ compensation, economic impact survey, etc.
• Perform research on federal, state, and local payroll tax regulations and draft memos/white papers on compliance issues.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two to three years related experience required; or equivalent combination of education and experience; five to seven years' relevant experience preferred.
• In depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and general accounting structure.
• Strong analytical skills, communication skills, technical skills, and multi-tasking abilities.
• Accounting professional with strong payroll reporting/background and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Workday (preferred).
• Payroll tax experience required. Multi-State payroll tax experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to be detail-oriented and accurate. Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills, along with the ability to work within tight and often conflicting deadlines.
• Must be flexible, show effective judgement, discretion and have the ability to handle confidential financial matters.
• Work effectively in a highly matrixed and decentralized environment with the ability to navigate through ambiguity and demonstrate appreciation and support for diversity, inclusion and belonging in a constantly evolving academic/higher education environment.

*** Please include a cover letter in your resume submission in Workday. The expected salary range for this offer is $70,000 - $85,000 based on relevant experience, skills and competencies. ***

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Division of Finance

Pay Range

$51,824.00 - $80,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

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