Entry Level Finance Manager Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Post-Award Sponsored Programs, Grants & Contracts Accountant (Dept/Center)

The Post Award Accountant plays an integral role on the financial team of the Russell Labs Administrative Service Center ("The Hub"), providing fiscal support to the Departments of Entomology, Forest and Wildlife Ecology, and Plant Pathology in support of their research, instructional, and outreach missions. We are seeking a colleague who is adaptable, collaborative, and motivated to enhance financial reporting and business processes as the University continues to develop and enhance operations within the Workday environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide fiscal support to Russell Lab Departments and faculty for sponsored and non-sponsored funding and works closely with the Russell Labs Financial Manager, Financial Specialist, Post Award Financial Manager, other Hub members, and faculty.

Successful candidates for this position will possess the following skills and attributes: Customer service focus with the ability to provide accurate, responsive support and work collaboratively among unique groups; Ability to multitask and independently determine priorities; A strong financial or post-award background; Effective organizational skills and attention to detail.

• In collaboration with the Financial Manager and the Post-Award Financial Manager, assist principal investigators with the financial management of sponsored and non-sponsored funds
• Serves as a financial resource in answering questions and ensures compliance with university policies and procedures and with award terms and conditions
• Prepares and analyzes financial data and schedules, reviews financial expenditures for accuracy and allowability, identifies and communicates discrepancies, and investigates, recommends and implements solutions as needed
• Reviews and/or approves financial transactions such as billing, cost allocations, cost transfers, refunds, payments and the fiscal closeout of sponsored and non-sponsored funds on behalf of Russell Labs while ensuring compliance with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
• Assists in preparing departmental budgets and financial projections
• Serve as the Russell Labs SME for internal and external non-sponsored billing

• Assists principal investigators with financial management of non-sponsored budgets and day-to-day fiscal transactions (5%)
• In consultation with the Financial Manager and Department Administrator, assists in preparing departmental budgets and financial projections (15%)
• Prepares and processes financial reporting and/or invoicing information (20%)
• Provides expertise and advice related to procurement and allowable charges (15%)
• Reviews financial expenditures for accuracy on sponsored grants and contracts (15%)
• Assists principal investigators with financial management of sponsored program budgets and directs day-to-day fiscal transactions (30%)

Russell Labs Admin Service Center

The starting salary for this position is $80,000 annually, however, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

• generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off
• competitive insurances and savings accounts
• retirement benefits

Additional benefits information can be found at: 2026 Benefits Summary-Faculty, Academic Staff, Limited Appointees

• Minimum of two (2) years of financial management or post award accounting experience in a higher education, governmental or nonprofit setting
• Demonstrated experience preparing account reconciliations or financial schedules
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and prior experience incorporating formulas (Lookups, Sumifs, Index, Match, etc.) into spreadsheets

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal award compliance requirements and sponsor terms and conditions
• Demonstrated experience creating and analyzing financial reports
• Understanding of the full, post-award life cycle including expense and variance monitoring, no-cost extensions, re-budgeting, and closeout procedures
• Knowledge of UW Business & Finance or Research policies and procedures
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Associate degree in finance, accounting or business-related field required
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business-related field preferred

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies.

We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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For questions, please contact Jared Slagle at jslagle2@wisc.edu.