Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts Accountant

The University of Wisconsin–Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is widely recognized as one of America's leading public research universities, combining academic excellence with a strong public service mission. As a land-grant institution, it offers a broad range of liberal arts and professional programs, along with diverse student activities and campus resources. The campus spans 936 acres along the southern shore of Lake Mendota, providing a scenic and vibrant environment for work and study. Located in the city of Madison, the University fosters a collaborative community that supports innovation, lifelong learning, and inclusive excellence. Employees benefit from a culture that values curiosity, integrity, and public impact.

About the role

The Grants and Contracts Accountant is responsible for managing the financial aspects of sponsored research awards and other externally funded projects. This on-site role, based in Madison, WI, includes reviewing grant and contract terms, setting up project accounts, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements. Day-to-day tasks involve preparing and analyzing financial reports, reconciling accounts, processing journal entries, and supporting timely invoicing and drawdowns. The position also provides guidance to principal investigators and departmental staff on allowable costs, budget revisions, and financial closeout procedures. Collaboration with research administration, finance, and compliance teams is essential to maintain accurate records and support high-quality sponsored programs administration.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing grant and contract terms
• Sets up project accounts
• Maintains oversight of expenditures
• Ensures compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
• Prepares and analyzes financial reports
• Reconciles accounts
• Processes journal entries
• Supports timely invoicing and drawdowns
• Provides guidance to principal investigators and departmental staff on allowable costs, budget revisions, and financial closeout procedures
• Collaborates with research administration, finance, and compliance teams to maintain accurate records and support high-quality sponsored programs administration

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including general ledger, reconciliations, and financial reporting
• Experience with grants and contracts administration, sponsored research accounting, or fund accounting in a higher education or nonprofit environment
• Skill in interpreting and applying sponsor regulations, university policies, and compliance requirements related to grants and contracts
• Proficiency with financial systems and tools (e.g., ERP platforms, spreadsheets, and reporting software) and strong data analysis abilities
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Able to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners, and to build constructive professional relationships
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; CPA or related certification is beneficial but not required
• Attention to detail, sound judgment, and a commitment to accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement