Position Summary

The College of Nursing at Michigan State University is seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Senior Accountant / Financial Analyst to support financial operations, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic analysis across the organization. This role combines advanced accounting responsibilities with financial planning and analysis functions to provide accurate financial reporting, operational insights, and data-driven recommendations for leadership decision-making.

The ideal candidate will possess strong accounting knowledge, financial modeling capabilities, and experience working collaboratively with operational leaders, auditors, and external stakeholders. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Prepare, review, and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports
• Manage general ledger activities, journal entries, account reconciliations, and close processes
• Monitor and reconcile general, designated, restricted, grant, and plant accounts to ensure compliance and accuracy
• Prepare and submit invoices, deposits, transfers, and journal entries
• Develop financial forecasts, budgets, and variance analyses
• Prepare managerial and operational reports with timely actionable recommendations
• Calculate salary and operational costs for grant proposals and departmental planning
• Reconcile grant and research accounts and ensure compliance with funding requirements
• Provide financial guidance and interpretation of policies, procedures, and financial data to leadership and staff
• Serve as a liaison between departments, finance teams, auditors, and external agencies

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree program in accounting or finance with relevant course work in business administration; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in accounting, auditing or financial analysis; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred
• 5+ years of progressively responsible accounting and/or financial analysis experience
• Strong understanding of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems and financial reporting tools
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with grants, restricted funds, or higher education/government accounting
• Pre- and post-award experience
• Knowledge of cost accounting and audit procedures
• Experience developing dashboards and management reports
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments
• Experience with financial system implementation or process improvement initiatives

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume, cover letter and list of three (3) professional references knowledgeable of your work

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

www.nursing.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 06/09/2026 at 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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