Utah Retirement Systems provides benefits for state and other Utah Public employees through the work of two divisions. The Retirement Office administers pension and retirement benefits.  PEHP Health & Benefits specializes in medical, dental, life, and other benefits.  We take pride in providing a peace of mind for thousands of Utah families.  We are committed to our public mission and maintaining a positive team environment.  We offer a competitive salary, and our benefits far exceed what most modern employers offer.

This job may be filled at any of the levels listed below.

Accountant I- Min: $25.07/hr.  Max: $31.33/hr.

Accountant II- Min: $29.59/hr.  Max: $37.72/hr.

Senior Accountant- Min: $75,160/yr.  Max: $95,824/yr.

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs a variety of accounting and general management duties as needed to direct and control the maintenance of accounting general ledgers according to generally accepted accounting principles. Initiates changes and processes that are designed to enhance the general accounting functions of Utah Retirement Systems and its various departments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

1. Initiates, recommends, and implements accounting policy and procedure changes.
2. Resolves technical issues related to accounting procedures, reporting, balancing, and reconciling.
3. Audits and analyzes methods and procedures for validity and efficiency and assures security of information recorded within the system.
4. Coordinates between departments to resolve discrepancies and to verify the transactions.
5. Maintains accounting general ledgers and applies technical knowledge according to generally accepted accounting principles.
6. Prepares adjusting and correcting entries.
7. Utilizes general ledgers and cash control fund, budgets, financial reporting, financial/member statistics, member reconciliations, payroll administration, accounts payable, cash receipts, cash disbursements, checking account control, and accounts receivable.
8. Prepares reconciliations to the general ledgers to ensure timely completion.
9. Assists division managers with financial reporting of budget funds and monthly reports.
10. Works with computer programmers, Controllers, and Finance staff regarding/initiating new program ideas and changes and to investigate and resolve complex program problems.
11. Initiates investigations of accounting records to determine or resolve discrepancies.
12. Provides support to audit personnel during special audits.
13. Documents and updates flowcharts and outlines for department procedures.
14. Maintains strict confidentiality.
15. Performs other related duties as required.

Accountant I

Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required technical skills include the working knowledge and ability of:

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Specialized software for accounting applications.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Calculating figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages.
• Mathematical measures, calculations, and terminology.
• Basic algebra concepts.
• Statistical measures, calculations, and terminology.
• 10-key calculator.

Required accounting skills including the working knowledge of:

• Professional accounting standards and ethics.
• Generally accepted accounting principles established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Government Accounting Standards Board.
• Internal control principles and methods of application.
• Analyzing routine accounting problems and making standard adjustments.
• Cost analysis for various account expense categories.
• Analyze a variety of financial problems and make recommendations.

Must possess excellent communication skills:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Must have the ability to:

• Ability to carry out a vital process with general supervision.
• Coordinate a variety of financial administrative matters.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Apply policies and procedures to work situations.
• Follow through with assignments.
• Deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.

Additional Requirements

As a requirement of this position, the employee will submit to the URS Investment Compliance Officer a record of trade confirmations or monthly transaction summaries, as they become available, of all security transactions (excluding mutual funds), in any account under the employee’s control and direction, or under the control and direction of the employee’s spouse.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.

Accountant II

Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management or accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required technical skills include the working knowledge and ability of:

• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Specialized software for accounting applications.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Calculating figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages.
• Mathematical measures, calculations, and terminology.
• Basic algebra concepts.
• Statistical measures, calculations, and terminology.
• 10-key calculator.

Required accounting skills including the working knowledge of:

• Professional accounting standards and ethics.
• Generally accepted accounting principles established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Government Accounting Standards Board.
• Internal control principles and methods of application.
• Analyzing routine accounting problems and making standard adjustments.
• Cost analysis for various account expense categories.
• Laws and regulations pertaining to tax reporting, pension and deferred compensation funds and various retirement programs.
• Analyze a variety of financial problems and make recommendations.

Must possess excellent communication skills:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Must have the ability to:

• Ability to carry out a vital process with general supervision.
• Coordinate a variety of financial administrative matters.
• Prepare and implement budgets.
• Plan, organize, direct, and supervise the work of subordinates.
• Follow budgetary principles.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Apply policies and procedures to work situations.
• Follow through with assignments.
• Deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.

Additional Requirements

As a requirement of this position, the employee will submit to the URS Investment Compliance Officer a record of trade confirmations or monthly transaction summaries, as they become available, of all security transactions (excluding mutual funds), in any account under the employee’s control and direction, or under the control and direction of the employee’s spouse.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.

Senior Accountant

Bachelors Degree in accounting, finance, business management, public administration, computer programming or a related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in financial management or accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Preference for professional designation as Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Requires a thorough knowledge of professional accounting standards and ethics; generally accepted accounting principles established by AICPA and GASB; internal control principles and methods of application; laws and regulations pertaining to tax reporting, pension and deferred compensation funds; budgetary principles; standard investment procedures such as trading, funds transfers, security handling, etc.; statistical measures, calculations and terminology; and software language. Requires a working knowledge of principles of supervision; organizational communication, design, and motivation techniques; business and technical writing; computer accounting applications.

Must have the ability to analyze a variety of financial problems and make recommendations; coordinate a variety of financial administrative matters between executives and department heads; apply generally accepted accounting principles in financial reporting; prepare and implement budgets; plan, organize, direct and supervise the work of subordinates; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with executives, administrators, managers, boards, department heads, employees and the public. 

As a requirement of this position, the employee will submit to the URS Investment Compliance Officer a record of trade confirmations or monthly transaction summaries, as they become available, of all security transactions (excluding mutual funds), in any account under the employee’s control and direction, or under the control and direction of the employee’s spouse.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.