If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Professional 310

Pay Range: $ - $

Job Description

As a Senior Technical Accountant, you will play a critical role at the intersection of technical accounting judgment and cross-functional partnership. You will bring depth of expertise in financial reporting and technical accounting to support complex transactions, strengthen compliance, and elevate accounting practices across the organization. This is an opportunity to apply public accounting rigor in a mission-driven environment where your expertise directly supports institutional integrity and growth.

What you’ll do

Draft and maintain technical accounting memos for new, complex, or non-routine transactions in accordance with GAAP
Partner with Accounting and Finance leadership to analyze complex financial transactions and determine appropriate accounting treatment
Serve as a subject matter expert on revenue recognition, including grants and contributions, ensuring compliance with ASC 606 and ASC 958
Coordinate external audit activities, including preparing PBC schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring audit readiness
Support preparation and review of IRS Form 990s in partnership with external tax preparers
Assess, document, and enhance internal controls, identifying gaps and supporting remediation efforts
Collaborate cross-functionally to provide guidance and clarity on technical accounting matters

What you’ll bring

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Active CPA certification
5+ years of progressive experience in public accounting, technical accounting, audit, or financial reporting
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, financial statements, and disclosures
Proven ability to research complex accounting issues and prepare clear, well-supported technical memos
Demonstrated critical thinking and sound professional judgment in ambiguous situations
Experience supporting external audit engagements

Bonus points

Experience in both public accounting and nonprofit environments
Knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards
Experience working within multi-entity organizational structures

Experience in lieu of education

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this role may substitute for degree requirements. Generally, one year of relevant experience is considered equivalent to one year of education, at the discretion of the hiring manager.

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to show their best work through meaningful conversations and collaboration.

We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward the candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission.

Introductory call
Hiring manager interview
Final interview onsite

This is a full-time, in-office position requiring five days per week in our Salt Lake City, Utah office, designed to foster the collaboration and connection that fuel our best work.

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

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Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.

Western Governors University

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Senior Technical Accountant