BENEFITS ACCOUNTING MANAGER Job Listing at University of California in Oakland, CA (Job ID 69188)

Description

Job Posting

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UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Controller provides strategic leadership and support of systemwide financial functions including corporate accounting, federal and extramural costing policy, benefit plan accounting, endowment and investment accounting, payroll policy and compliance and taxation. We deliver efficient and effective financial services, provide best practices and guidance to our campus and medical center communities, develop and administer systemwide policies and procedures, and ensure the University's financial systems are compliant with all University, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations. Benefits Accounting is responsible for financial management and reporting functions in connection with all University of California benefit programs, including the University of California Retirement System (UCRS), the Health and Welfare Program, the University of California Retiree Health Benefit Program and various other benefit programs. UCRS consists of 2 defined benefit plans and four defined contribution plans. These functions include financial transactions, financial reporting and analysis, financial audit coordination and internal control assessment and monitoring.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Controller, the Benefits Accounting Manager is responsible for preparing, managing, administering and directing the work done in the Benefits Accounting area. In collaboration with the Retirement Administration Service Center, Systemwide Human Resources Total Rewards, Benefits Information Systems, UCPath Center, tax, legal and other units or outside consultants as needed, the Benefits Accounting Manager creates and delivers programs that support the recruitment and retention of world-class faculty and staff and supporting University members with their pension and health & welfare benefits. They lead projects that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes and resources that affect immediate operations. This includes maintaining accurate accounting records for the University of California's health and welfare programs, the University of California Retirement System and the University of California Retiree Health Benefit Trust. Receives assignments in the form of objectives with goals and develops strategies to accomplish these goals. Provides direction to employees according to established policies and management guidance. Works on issues where analysis of situation or data requires review of relevant factors. Exercises judgment to determine appropriate action. Administers policies that directly affect subordinate staff. Recommends changes to department policies and practices. Identifies risks and responds accordingly. Provides priority setting and workflow analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% Accounting Operations • Collaborates with the Retirement Administration Service Center, Systemwide Human Resources Total Rewards, Benefits Information Systems, UCPath Center, tax, legal and other units or outside consultants as needed, to create and deliver programs. • Supports the accounting functions for the pension and health & welfare benefits programs including administering retiree payroll and vendor payment schedules, testing/implementing pension administration system enhancements and resolving benefits program-related issues. • Serves as a leader in the ongoing development, implementation and maintenance of the systemwide chart of accounts, Oracle Cloud financial accounting, pension administration system and University's consolidation and reporting tools in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and University policies and procedures. 
• 30% Management and Leadership • Leads Benefits Accounting team to ensure the timely month-end and year-end close with other departments. • Manages team of accounting staff and provides mentoring, coaching, performance reviews, approvals of timesheets, trainings, and reviews requests for work absences/overtime. • Establishes and monitors benefits accounting policies and procedures, including process improvement efforts as needed and the selection, development, and evaluation of personnel to staff various assignments in a manner ensuring the efficient operation of the unit. 
• 15% Reporting and Auditing • Coordinates the annual financial statement audits of the UC Retirement System and UC Retiree Health Benefit Trust and the agreed-upon procedures for the UC Student Health Insurance Plan. • Ensures the accurate compilations, analysis, and reporting of accounting data and revenue for the university's Health & Welfare program quarterly financial statements and the annual financial statements for the UC Retirement System and UC Retiree Health Benefit Trust. 
• 10% Other • Represent the Systemwide Controller's Office in various programmatic initiatives. Serves as the primary contact for escalated issues in connect with key stakeholders such as UCOP departments / units, campuses, medical centers, Department of Energy and vendors Performs other duties as necessary to support 

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Min 8 years of accounting operations and leadership experience required

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Solid knowledge of financial transactions and financial systems, as well as related policy, accounting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and common desktop/web applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills, service orientation, ability to multi-task effectively in a varied, high volume environment, judgment and decision-making, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of employee benefit plan accounting and reporting, institutional investments, tax reporting, and applicable GASB standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the University of California system and an understanding of UC culture, policies, practices and mission as a public educational and research institution.
• Experience in complex, higher education and/or large research university environments and an understanding of related priorities, issues, motivations and constraints. 
• Working experience with Oracle financials and Amazon Quicksight

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

• CPA

Travel Requirements
5% Occasional business travel

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position is approved for a hybrid work arrangement. The selected hire is required to report to work in Oakland, CA on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Accounting Manager 1

Job Code
000685

Salary Grade
Grade 24

Payscale:
$123,000 - $155,000, commensurate with experience

Full Salary Range:
$95,300 - $178,100

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range shows the growth potential for this position and the pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is June 7, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit:  https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.  For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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