Finance Specialist - Accounting

Finance Specialist - Accountant

The Office of Technology Licensing at Stanford University seeks to fill one Finance Specialist - Accountant position. This role will, under the direct supervision of the manager / director, perform moderately complex accounting activities and functions, including monitoring accounts, preparing documentation, expenditure reconciliations and reviews, revenue reporting / accounting, purchases and reimbursements, general ledger transactions, and journal entries. All accounting tasks are specific to licensing (patent) income and university setting.

The position is open to both hybrid and remote options. Hybrid roles are based at a Stanford work location, with the option for a hybrid schedule subject to operational needs. This typically requires a regular on-site presence of two to four days per week, or an equivalent amount of time each month. Remote roles are open to candidates located anywhere in the United States. This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible position. For consideration, please submit a resume. All final candidates must complete a background check.

Core duties include reviewing, processing, and compiling accounting transactions and documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance; identifying and resolving accounting issues; running, maintaining, reconciling, reviewing, combining, analyzing, and validating financial data sets; identifying and resolving incorrect journal entries, data anomalies, deviations from established procedures, and unusual issues; collecting data and performing research on the details of transactions; ensuring work complies with complex internal policies and external regulations; participating as a member of a project team and contributing to the change management strategy; recommending, assisting, testing, or implementing process streamlining, system improvements, or workflow changes; contributing to the development and maintenance of desktop procedures and process documentation for the area of responsibility; serving as a liaison to other departments to resolve accounting-related issues; and may train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed.

Minimum requirements include an associate degree plus two years of applicable experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience; proficiency in basic business applications, such as Microsoft Office; user knowledge of Excel; basic knowledge of accounting systems and the internet; computer literacy; understanding of and ability to apply accounting skills and concepts; ability to draft professional e-mails, memos, business letters, and reports, and to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal audiences and client groups; and ability to learn project management skills and to participate as part of a project team.

Strongly desired knowledge, skills, and abilities include financial accounting knowledge; analytical skills; attention to detail; software proficiency; communication skills; and comfort with non-accounting finance admin tasks.

Physical requirements include frequently standing / walking, sitting, performing desk-based computer tasks, and using a telephone; occasionally writing by hand, twisting / bending / stooping / squatting, reaching / working above shoulders, grasping lightly / fine manipulation, and lifting / carrying / pushing / pulling objects that weigh up to 10 pounds; and rarely kneeling / crawling, operating foot and / or hand controls. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working conditions include travel on campus to schools / units and out of town. Interpersonal skills include demonstrating the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. Promote culture of safety by demonstrating commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicating safety concerns; and using and promoting safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.