FP&A & Accounting Specialist

INTRODUCTION: University of the People (UoPeople) is the first non-profit, tuition-free, American, accredited, 100% online university. Today, UoPeople has over 170,000 students enrolled from more than 200 countries and territories, including 18,800 students who are refugees. UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is recognized by the DEAC as an accredited online University. We believe that higher education is a basic human right and that it can transform not only the lives of students, but also their families' lives, their communities, their nations, and, by extension, the world. See President Reshef’s TED talk when he announced the founding of the University.[ TED talk ] UoPeople is an innovative university, and we welcome team members who bring creativity and innovation to their roles. We’re a fast-paced organization with remote teams all around the globe. If you’re a self-starter who wants to succeed alongside a passionate team, we’d love to hear from you! UoPeople is supported by the generosity of individuals and foundations, including the Gates, Hewlett, Ford Foundations, Fondation Hoffmann, and others. The University has been covered by the New York Times, BBC, NPR, Times Higher Education, US News and World Report, and more. President Reshef’s TED Talk and Nas Daily interview about the University have 30 million views combined

Position Summary The Accounting & FP&A Specialist is a key individual contributor responsible for supporting global financial operations across accounting, financial close, forecasting, budgeting, and analytical reporting. This role combines strong FP&A capabilities with hands-on accounting operations, requiring a detail-oriented, analytical, and highly independent professional operating in a remote, technology-enabled environment. The role works closely with the Controller and VP Finance to ensure financial accuracy, data integrity, operational discipline, and forward-looking insights that support effective decision-making across the organization.

Key Responsibilities Financial Close & Accounting • Support and execute monthly, termly, and annual close activities in coordination with the Controller. • Own and maintain reconciliations across finance ERP, CRM, fundraising, and related systems. • Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in financial reporting and supporting documentation. • Process vendor payments, including preparation of payment files, validation of supporting documents, and ensuring timely and accurate disbursements. FP&A, Forecasting & Business Analysis • Build, maintain, and continuously improve financial models for budgeting, rolling forecasts, long-range planning, and specific projects. • Perform variance analysis, trend analysis, and risk identification, highlighting anomalies and escalation points. • Support annual budget planning and forecasting processes across departments. • Conduct ad hoc financial analysis and scenario modeling to evaluate business opportunities and financial risks. • Support revenue forecasting and performance tracking with a strong focus on data accuracy and insight generation.

Systems, Tools & Reporting • Maintain and manage financial databases, systems, and reporting tools, including dashboards and BI platforms (e.g., Power BI). • Support finance system optimization and integration efforts, including ERP enhancements, CRM–finance integrations, and reporting automation. • Improve data quality, reporting accuracy, and process efficiency across finance operations.

Strategic Finance Support • Act as a trusted finance partner to the Controller and VP Finance by delivering timely, accurate, and actionable financial insights. • Support leadership decision-making through clear financial analysis and structured reporting. • Contribute to building scalable, well-documented finance processes suitable for a growing, global organization.

Qualifications & Experience • 4 to 6 years of relevant experience across FP&A, accounting operations, budgeting, and forecasting. • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field (Required). • Master’s degree is an advantage but not required. • Hands-on experience supporting financial close, reconciliations, forecasting, and budget processes. • Proven experience building financial models with strong attention to detail and accuracy. • High proficiency in Excel; experience with Power BI. • Familiarity with ERP systems, CRM-finance integrations, and financial databases. • Experience working in a global, remote, or cross-border environment.

Preferred Skills & Attributes • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. • High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. • Independent, proactive, and self-driven, able to manage work with minimal supervision. • Strong organizational and time-management skills, capable of handling multiple priorities and deadlines. • Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions. • High standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgment.

Professional Competencies • Execution-focused and results-oriented mindset. • Ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and evolving environments. • Strong collaboration skills across finance and non-finance stakeholders. • Sound judgment, discretion, and professional maturity.