Research Accountant

About the role

The Research Accountant is responsible for performing a variety of accounting activities associated with sponsored research in accordance with accounting principles and standards to control the University’s financial resources and ensuring that the University complies with all relevant regulations, laws and reporting requirements. The Research Accountant will provide professional-level administrative and fiscal support within a post‑award sponsored project accounting environment and be responsible for proactively managing the associated function. The position supports the Senior Research Accountant in managing financial functions for sponsored research programs and serves as liaison with Sponsored Research Services, Principal Investigators, and Agencies to create, monitor, and closeout research awards from an accounting perspective in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual and periodic task‑oriented invoices and financials cash reports to sponsoring agencies
• Prepare monthly draw‑downs against letters of credit of financial expenditures
• Respond directly to invoice/report inquiries from sponsoring agencies
• Prepare invoices for non‑sponsored customers
• Generate invoices and reports for sponsored research projects and follow‑up for payments; use aging reports and send out reminders for outstanding payments; take action to ensure payments
• Review and approve expense reports in accordance with Controller’s Office policy
• Disseminate internal grant reports to Principal Investigators and University stakeholders
• Prepare and enter accounting entries for grant cost transfers as needed
• Maintain financial trees within PeopleSoft for sponsored research projects
• Maintain sponsored program contracts within PeopleSoft
• Provide support to the Sr. Research Accountant with the financial closeout of all sponsored research awards in accordance with federal, state, or agency regulations
• If necessary, refund sponsor based on award terms and conditions or transfer residual funds into the appropriate residual project
• Maintain a working knowledge of governmental regulations as they pertain to sponsored programs
• Provide support for year‑end audit of financial statements, Uniform Guidance audit, and any other applicable audits related to Sponsored Research
• Participate in process data testing as new financial system functionality is released
• Perform miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Accounting or Business Administration or at least 5 years of relevant accounting experience
• Understanding of regulations as they relate to federally sponsored programs

Skills

• Excellent organizational, data, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both orally and in writing) and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Strong customer service skills
• Positive team‑oriented attitude
• Ability to work under pressure, independently with attention to detail and to meet deadlines
• Proficient with personal computer office applications, e‑mail and internet
• Strong multi‑tasking and prioritization skills in a changing environment
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion, particularly in matters relative to sensitive or confidential information, personnel or organizational matters

Pay

USD $25.97 - USD $23.00 /Yr.