Finance Specialist - Accounting

Finance Specialist - Accounting

Dean of Research, Redwood City, California, United States

Finance

Post Date Oct 01, 2025

Requisition # 107402

SCHOOL / UNIT DESCRIPTION :

Vice Provost and Dean of Research / Office of Technology Licensing : The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) was established in 1970 to manage the intellectual property assets of Stanford University. OTL evaluates, markets, and licenses technology owned by the University. OTL's mission is to encourage effective technology transfer for the public benefit as well as generating royalty income for Stanford to benefit research and education. OTL is one of the country's most active offices in the field of technology transfer from the university to industry. Our staff, most of whom are professionals engaged directly in licensing, manages over 3,000 active dockets.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey :

We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.

We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.

We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.

We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Office of Technology Licensing at Stanford University seeks to fill one Finance Specialist - Accountant position. This role will, under the direct supervision of the manager / director, perform moderately complex accounting activities and functions, including monitoring accounts, preparing documentation, expenditure reconciliations and reviews, revenue reporting / accounting, purchases and reimbursements, general ledger transactions, and journal entries. All accounting tasks are specific to licensing (patent) income and university setting.

The position is open to both hybrid and remote options. Hybrid roles are based at a Stanford work location, with the option for a hybrid schedule subject to operational needs. This typically requires a regular on-site presence of two to four days per week, or an equivalent amount of time each month. Remote roles are open to candidates located anywhere in the United States.

This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible position. For consideration, please submit a resume. All final candidates must complete a background check.

CORE DUTIES :

Review, process, gather, and compile accounting transactions and documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance. Contribute to the development of analyses to be used for key activities or decision-making.

Identify, prioritize, and resolve accounting issues; probe beyond stated situations; identify underlying issues; recognize exceptions; perform preliminary analysis.

Run, maintain, reconcile, review, combine, analyze, and validate financial data sets, utilizing financial reports, financial databases, and key financial information often from multiple systems. Assist in the preparation of basic management information reports.

Identify and resolve incorrect journal entries, data anomalies, deviations from established procedures, and unusual issues.

Collect data and perform research on the details of transactions. Ensure work complies with complex internal policies and external regulations, which may require interpretation.

Participate as a member of a project team and contribute to the change management strategy through communication and collaboration with others.

Recommend, assist, test, or implement process streamlining, system improvements, or workflow changes.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of desktop procedures and process documentation for the area of responsibility.

Serve as a liaison to other departments to resolve accounting-related issues.

May train, coach, and review the work of other staff, as needed. Contribute primarily through applying individual expertise.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

Education & Experience :

Associate degree plus two years of applicable experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Proficiency in basic business applications, such as Microsoft Office; user knowledge of Excel.

Basic knowledge of accounting systems and the internet; computer literacy.

Understanding of and ability to apply accounting skills and concepts.

Ability to draft professional e-mails, memos, business letters, and reports, and to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal audiences and client groups.

Ability to learn project management skills and to participate as part of a project team.

Strongly desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Financial Accounting Knowledge : Understanding of accounting principles, financial statements, and relevant regulations.

Analytical Skills : The ability to analyze financial data and trends is crucial for identifying areas of improvement, making informed financial decisions, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

Attention to Detail : Given the precision required in financial work, a high level of attention to detail is necessary to avoid errors in financial statements and reports. This includes a thorough review of transactions and documentation.

Software Proficiency : Proficiency in accounting software and financial management tools is important. Ability to learn and adjust to new software preferred.

Communication Skills : Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, smooth interacting with team members, presenting financial information to non-finance stakeholders, and ensuring clear and transparent communication within the organization.

Comfort with Non-Accounting Finance Admin Tasks : In addition to traditional accounting duties, a finance specialist should be comfortable and adept at handling non-accounting finance administrative tasks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

(Frequently stand / walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, and use a telephone.

Occasionally write by hand, twist / bend / stoop / squat, reach / work above shoulders, grasp lightly / fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, lift / carry / push / pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds, sort / file paperwork.

Rarely kneel / crawl, operate foot and / or hand controls.

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

WORK STANDARDS :

Interpersonal Skills : Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

Promote Culture of Safety : Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,

For On-site or Hybrid positions :

The expected pay range for this position is $89,192 to $95,000 per annum / hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( ) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

For Remote positions (or positions open to the possibility of being remote) :

This remote role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures . The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.

The expected pay range for this position is $71,129 to $87,717 per annum / hour.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( ) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Ourcultureandunique perksempower you with :

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

Schedule : Full-time

Job Code : 4441

Employee Status : Regular

Grade : G

Requisition ID : 107402

Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible, Remote Eligible