Senior Research Accountant

Senior Research Accountant

We are seeking an analytical, systems-minded Senior Research Accountant to serve as a key individual contributor reporting directly to our Accounting Operations Manager. This is a highly specialized, hybrid role designed for a seasoned accounting professional who thrives on data analysis, complex problem-solving, and understanding the operational and database logic behind every transaction.

With 5+ years of experience and a strong foundational knowledge of accounting (CPA preferred), you will look beyond surface-level data entry to trace ledgers back to their source databases, payroll systems, or statutory references. You will be responsible for investigating variances, designing and implementing internal controls, managing audit information requests, and driving project management initiatives to clear the division's task backlog.

Job Details

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid
Application Deadline – 7/14/2026 at 6:00PM (MDT)

Key Responsibilities

1. Reporting, Internal Controls & Audit Readiness

• Maintain and develop reports for various users, both within the Division of Finance and outside.
• Act as the lead point of contact for external and internal audit/information requests, efficiently researching, gathering, and preparing required reports.
• Perform routine and ad-hoc compliance testing across accounts payable, payroll, and tax systems to identify and mitigate operational risks.

2. Accounting Operations & Transaction Approval

• Review and provide final approval for high-level transactions, ensuring complete accuracy by validating the underlying debits, credits, and operational logic.
• Oversee and perform complex reconciliations between operational sub-ledgers (Payroll databases, AP systems) and the General Ledger.
• Conduct technical research regarding complex payroll processing logic, state/federal tax compliance, and transactional variances.
• Take the lead on complex accounting problems and tricky agency inquiries. You’ll work with minimal oversight to ask the right questions, uncover why things don't match up, and confidently find the solution.

3. Project Management & Systems Support

• Assist the Accounting Operations Manager with project management initiatives, systematically prioritizing and executing the division's task list backlog.
• Drive special projects, including financial software optimization, database query management, and process automation.
• Utilize database experience to query financial data, generate advanced data models/reports, and identify systemic errors or workflow inefficiencies.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years of progressive corporate accounting, internal audit, or public accounting experience.
• Technical Accounting Mastery: A deep, fundamental understanding of core accounting principles. You must be someone who instinctively "knows what is behind each transaction" rather than just knowing how to process it.
• Systems & Database Skills: Proven hands-on experience working with relational databases, ERP structures, and advanced data manipulation tools (e.g., advanced Excel, SQL, or equivalent database management systems).
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage project timelines, organize a backlog, take direction effectively, and independently drive tasks to completion.
• Maintaining Curiosity: Ability to question assumptions and break down complex problems into their most basic, foundations to find solutions. This includes the innate drive to ask “why”.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required OR equivalent experience.
• CPA license.
• Operational Exposure: Strong working knowledge of Payroll workflows and Payroll Tax compliance logic.
• Familiarity with State Chart of Accounts: Existing knowledge of our account structure is preferred, but not required.
• Experience with State Financial Systems: This includes CGI Vantage Financial, HCM/Payroll, and State Data Warehouse, as well as partner systems with URS and PEHP.

About the Role

Background Check Required – Yes
Drug Test Required – Yes
Schedule Code – B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
The Division of Finance is part of the Department of Government Operations. Our mission is to promote the highest standards of trust and integrity in managing taxpayer funds. We manage the State's financial records, pay the State's bills and employees, and oversee the internal controls that keep the government running honestly and efficiently. We aspire to model excellence in efficient, effective, and ethical financial management practices for the benefit of all Utah citizens.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.