The University of Texas at San Antonio

 

Job Description

 


Job Title:                      Capital and Special Project Accountant

Code:                           9167

Salary Grade:               62

FLSA Status:                Exempt

Department/Division:     Controller’s Office/Financial Affairs/Business Affairs

Reports To:                  University Controller

 


Summary

 

·  Function:   Responsible for overseeing the accounting of university capital improvement and miscellaneous institutionally managed projects and performs special analyses, including cost accounting to set/validate recharge center rates and other projections and studies as directed by the University Controller.  Performs work related to complying with UT System’s requirements for issuance of commercial paper, analysis of debt capacity, projection and allocation of debt payments and development of various pro forma schedules to predict revenue needs.

 

·  Scope:      The campus is currently managing major capital outlay projects in excess of $200 million.  UTSA institutionally funded projects average over $7.5 million per year.  Debt service payments total over $16 million per year from multiple funding sources.  The number of bona fide recharge centers is expected to increase with the growth in sponsored research.

 

Duties

 

·  Typical:

Capital Project Account Management:

Capital projects are managed by two different entities depending on the total project cost as allowed by UT System policy:  (1) Office of Facilities Planning (OFPC) of The University of Texas System, or (2) UTSA Facilities Management.   Although the procedures may vary for each type of project, the incumbent will perform accounting activities in support of all capital projects with a total project cost of $100,000 or greater, as directed:

1.      Sets-up accounts by project in accordance with chart of account ‘rules’ in the financial accounting system.  Verifies funding sources, availability of funds, and assures processes are followed prior to transferring budget amongst fund groups.  Coordinates Request for Budget Transfers with the Budget Office as required by The UT System ‘budget rules.’  Communicates account numbers to affected parties.

2.      Monitors accounting activities within plant accounts; approves requisitions and purchase orders against assigned plant accounts.  Reconciles expenditures with financial system postings.  Processes budget amendments as authorized.

3.      Maintains project files for access by upper management as required.  Responds to general inquiries as appropriate.

4.      Coordinates the close-out of project accounts and transfers unused funds back to owner(s) or to other projects as authorized by the University Controller.

5.      Works with the University Controller, general accounting and the budget office staff to evaluate and project capital expenditure asset entries and depreciation expenses as needed for budget and monthly/annual financial reports.

Recharge Center Cost Accounting:

6.      Performs rate development, documentation and review.  Works with University established recharge centers to document, calculate and review cost-based rate(s), in accordance with federal cost accounting requirements.  Seeks approval of the rates and methodology review.  Works closely with the Director of Grants and Contracts, Financial Services, and Office of Sponsored Programs.  Retains records to support charges (7 years).

7.      Analyzes surplus/deficit positions (actual expenses versus actual revenues) on an annual basis.

Debt Service Accounting:

8.      Reviews project cash flows to make recommendations about the amount of commercial paper to issue for a given quarter to cover anticipated payables.

9.      Prepares required UT system forms and documents as requested to support commercial paper issuance.

10.  Reviews system prepared amortization schedules and assures principal repayments and interest charges are applied to the correct account (responsible fund source).

Special Projects Accounting:

11.  Prepares ad hoc reports and various pro-forma analyses as requested.

12.  Develops and reviews project pro-formas to determine financial impacts of requested projects or fee increases.

13.  Evaluates financial ratios and predicts impacts over time as part of the six-year forecasting activities required for the annual budget process.  Works with budgets as requested in analyzing key financial data.

14.  Provides accounting assistance and expertise as required for year-end closing activities.  Prepares various schedules as assigned.

15.  Projects team member for implementation of new reports, special projects and procedural changes as required by updates to administrative and financial accounting systems.

16.  Coordinates web site updates as appropriate.

17.   Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Education

 

Required

Preferred

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Accounting or a directly related field.

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or a related field.

 

Other Requirements

 

Required

Preferred

Fund accounting knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of accounting, especially GAAP and GASB as related to the job duties.

Valid Certified Public Accountant.

Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in establishing cooperative working relationships with customers, peers and staff.

Ability to develop proficiency with use of the DEFINE and OLAP systems.

Excellent analytical skills.

Knowledge of Federal cost accounting standards and requirements of OMB Circular A-21, A-110 and A-133.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow-through on commitments.

A commitment to excellence and attention to detail.

Criminal Background Check (CBC).

 

Experience

 

Required

Preferred

Five years of professional accounting or finance experience.

Experience as a capital project accountant in a similar institutional environment and complexity as UTSA; experience working at one of The University of Texas System campuses or system office in a similar capacity.

Experience with tax exempt bond issuance and capital project financing.

Fund accounting experience.  Cost accounting experience.

Experience performing cost studies pursuant to OMB Circular A-21 and in accordance with Cost Accounting Standards.

 

Equipment

 

Required

Preferred

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.  Experience with automated financial accounting software and standard office equipment.

N/A

 

Working Conditions

 

Usual

Special

Normal office conditions.

N/A

 

Supervision

 

Received

Given

Direct supervision from the University Controller.

None.

 

Accuracy

 

Proficiency in all assigned duties.

 

Security Sensitive

 

Specific job requirements or physical location of some positions allocated to this classification may render the position security sensitive, and thereby subject to the provisions of section 51.215 Texas Education Code.

 

Internal Control

 

Within the scope of position duties, responsible for seeing that operations are effective and efficient, assets are safeguarded, reliable, accurate financial data is maintained in accordance with GASB / GAAP /OMB-Circular A-21, and in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.