What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant II position at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
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Position Title
Accountant II
Job Category
Academic Staff
Employment Type
Regular
Job Profile
Accountant II
Job Duties
Key Job Responsibilities:
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 146 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The College of the Arts and Architecture (CAA) is a dynamic center of creativity, artistry, and innovation. The CAA comprises two distinct schools – the Peck School of the Arts and the School of Architecture and Urban Planning – that offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the visual and performing arts, architecture, design, and urban planning.
The College of The Arts and Architecture unites these two schools through shared interests, including strong ties to the Milwaukee region, academic programs driven largely by experiential learning, and a focus on creativity and design. Productive collaborations across disciplines draw from both schools’ strengths and provide students with unparalleled opportunity to grow as creative professionals in a learning environment that fosters creative and critical thinking, cultural diversity, and social responsibility.
Reporting to the Divisional Finance Officer for the College of Arts and Architecture, the Accountant II works closely with the various CAA departments as a subject matter expert in accounting and financial operations, policies, and procedures. Additionally, they will provide expertise on transactional and budget management tailored to the specific needs of each discipline.
This position performs tasks under general direction requiring considerable initiative, judgment, responsibility and specialized knowledge of university and UWM administrative policies and procedures, budget processes, purchasing/procurement procedures, payroll transactions, etc. This position requires a significant degree of independence and latitude in decision making. The person in this position is expected to demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
Job Responsibilities
$70,000 Salary will be determined by finalist's experience, training, education, and equity-based factors.
Required Qualifications
Education
Associate degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field
How to Apply: All interested applicants please apply online and submit a resume and cover letter for consideration. Please apply no later than August 9, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this posting, please contact Amy Rehfeldt at rehfelda@uwm.edu
Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Position Title
Accountant II
Job Category
Academic Staff
Employment Type
Regular
Job Profile
Accountant II
Job Duties
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Develops and maintains automated financial systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity
- Prepares and/or approves financial transactions and payments
- Prepares and analyzes financial data, reports and records, identifies discrepancies, investigates, recommends, and implements solutions as needed
- Answers questions and provides accounting related information to internal and external stakeholders according to established policies and procedures
- Organizes, prepares, and updates financial statements, monthly and year-end journal entries, accounts, ledgers, and reports for various financial needs within an automated financial system to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions
- Provides and prepares budgets and projections based on existing data and established policies and procedures
- Assists with accounting and reviewing reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, and reports
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 146 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The College of the Arts and Architecture (CAA) is a dynamic center of creativity, artistry, and innovation. The CAA comprises two distinct schools – the Peck School of the Arts and the School of Architecture and Urban Planning – that offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the visual and performing arts, architecture, design, and urban planning.
The College of The Arts and Architecture unites these two schools through shared interests, including strong ties to the Milwaukee region, academic programs driven largely by experiential learning, and a focus on creativity and design. Productive collaborations across disciplines draw from both schools’ strengths and provide students with unparalleled opportunity to grow as creative professionals in a learning environment that fosters creative and critical thinking, cultural diversity, and social responsibility.
Reporting to the Divisional Finance Officer for the College of Arts and Architecture, the Accountant II works closely with the various CAA departments as a subject matter expert in accounting and financial operations, policies, and procedures. Additionally, they will provide expertise on transactional and budget management tailored to the specific needs of each discipline.
This position performs tasks under general direction requiring considerable initiative, judgment, responsibility and specialized knowledge of university and UWM administrative policies and procedures, budget processes, purchasing/procurement procedures, payroll transactions, etc. This position requires a significant degree of independence and latitude in decision making. The person in this position is expected to demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
Job Responsibilities
- Organizes, prepares, and updates financial statements, monthly and year-end journal entries, accounts, ledgers, and reports for various financial needs within an automated financial system to ensure accurate recording and reporting of financial transactions
- Prepares and analyzes financial data, reports and records, identifies discrepancies, investigates, recommends, and implements solutions as needed
- Develops and maintains automated financial systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity
- Assists with accounting and reviewing reconciliations, journal entries, schedules, and reports
- Provides and prepares budgets and projections based on existing data and established policies and procedures
- Answers questions and provides accounting related information to internal and external stakeholders according to established policies and procedures
- Prepares and/or approves financial transactions and payments
$70,000 Salary will be determined by finalist's experience, training, education, and equity-based factors.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field.
- Minimum 3 years of accounting or financial reporting/auditing experience
- Proficiency with Excel including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
- Experience preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reports.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field.
- Experience with ERP systems such as Workday
- Experience in a higher education, government, and/or non-profit environment.
- Experience supporting faculty grants, sponsored projects, or restricted funds accounting.
- Experience providing customer service to a variety of audiences (responding to inquiries, troubleshooting, follow-up, providing basic training, communicating technical concepts)
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage competing transactions
Education
Associate degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field
How to Apply: All interested applicants please apply online and submit a resume and cover letter for consideration. Please apply no later than August 9, 2026.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this posting, please contact Amy Rehfeldt at rehfelda@uwm.edu
Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Salary : $70,000