You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email
OUR AGENCY
Making a Difference
SWIB is a trusted and skilled global investment organization managing the assets of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and other separately managed funds. With over $140 billion in total assets under management, SWIB has been recognized as a premier asset manager by the investment industry in large part due to its innovation and teamwork. Sophisticated investment management strategies, forward-looking technologies, and strong internal asset management make SWIB a leading investment organization.
 
For public employees in Wisconsin, SWIB is a unique and valuable partner. Investing for the financial security of more than 648,000 individuals – and for the 1,500 Wisconsin employers who contribute on behalf of their employees – SWIB’s exceptional management of the WRS has helped propel SWIB’s status as one of the only fully funded public pension funds in the country. SWIB’s long-term investment returns meet the challenges of a constantly evolving investment landscape while helping grow and protect the assets of the WRS, the 8th largest public pension fund in the U.S. and 25th largest public or private pension fund in the world.
 
We are a mission-driven organization and the participants we serve are our mission. By bringing a disciplined, prudent and innovative approach to market opportunities, SWIB has been successful in generating strong investment returns and maintaining the trust of the beneficiaries and stakeholders of the funds we oversee.
 
Join HIGHER PERFORMERS
Home to Top Talent
SWIB has long been recognized as an investment leader because of its success in maintaining the WRS and because of the highly qualified staff overseeing the retirement trust funds. SWIB is committed to investing in professionals that will keep the organization at the forefront of the investment industry. As an innovative organization, SWIB offers professional development opportunities that enable staff to grow and develop.
 
About the Team
The Finance Division (Finance) serves the entire organization and is under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer. Finance is responsible for several critical functions at SWIB and comprises five teams: Accounting & Financial Services (A&FS), Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Fund Administration (FA), Vendor Engagement and Oversight (VEO), and Business Continuity & Facilities Management (BCF).
 
A&FS is responsible for preparing the financial statements for the WRS and State Investment Fund (SIF), while also providing key financial reporting information for the separately managed funds SWIB oversees. In addition, A&FS oversees SWIB’s general ledger, accounts payable, and business travel. A&FS also provides the source financial data necessary for the FP&A team.
 
FP&A uses the data and information provided by A&FS to develop SWIB’s total cost of management plan and forecast, assist management in creating division budgets, manage portfolio cost allocation and the resulting financial analytics, manage the incentive compensation program, and produce and calculate many other financial-based analytics used in SWIB’s operations.
 
FA oversees SWIB’s external fund administration relationship and is also responsible for the accuracy of accounting data used to support the financial statements for the WRS and SIF. In addition, FA oversees the tax reclaim process, investment valuation, and calculation of monthly SIF earnings.

VEO is responsible for execution of vendor activities with respect to vendor due diligence and life-cycle management, including vendor engagement, negotiation, relationship management, service evaluation, escalation management, renewals, and terminations. 
 
BCF develops plans for the continuance of all critical activities associated with investment management including research, portfolio management, trading, and settlement functions in the event of a business disruption. BCF is also responsible for the daily and strategic management of SWIB facilities.      
                 
Position Overview
The Financial Accountant will play a key role in Finance by ensuring complete and accurate accounting information is produced and available for critical SWIB processes including its budget and cost allocation. The Financial Accountant will work closely with other A&FS team members and report directly to the Financial Manager while also collaborating with teams across SWIB. The position’s essential activities and attributes that the ideal candidate will possess are included below.
 
Essential activities:
  • Perform a variety of accounting activities including calculating expense accruals, performing expense reconciliations, recording key journal entries, processing payments to vendors, and facilitating SWIB’s payroll process.
  • Own most of SWIB’s internal operating budget expense and revenue accounting.
  • Upload accounting entries into SWIB’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and provide accounting instructions for SWIB’s accounting book of record at SWIB’s asset custodian. 
  • Assist with the production of the annual WRS and SIF financial statements and related footnotes. 
  • Perform research and analysis on both new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements and broader industry trends to help assess the impact each may have on the financial statements SWIB produces.
  • Understand complex investment strategies and determine the proper financial reporting treatment for each.
  • Work closely with management to review processes and implement changes.
  • Proficiently use software applications including MS Office and the ERP systems employed by both SWIB and the State of Wisconsin.
  • Perform complex, ad-hoc projects as required by Finance management.
 
The ideal candidate:

  • Holds a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Overall post-degree work experience of 1 to 3 years, which may include internships
  • Holds or is qualified to obtain professional designations such as a CPA
  • Leverages their intellectual curiosity to continually learn and develop their skills
  • Is a self-starter with the ability to nimbly manage competing priorities
  • Can efficiently consume, distill, and communicate complex issues
  • Confidently manages enterprise-level relationships and is focused on collaboration
  • Is driven by results, but focused on process
  • Can effectively navigate technology and has experience with Excel or Google Sheets
  • Challenges the status quo when appropriate
  • Possesses a strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAP) including GASB pronouncements

SWIB Offers:

  • Competitive, McLagan-based total compensation   
  •  A comprehensive benefit package
  • Educational and training opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Challenging work in a professional environment

The position requires U.S. work authorization and residency in, or willingness to relocate to the Madison, Wisconsin area. SWIB is prepared to offer relocation assistance as needed.