Accountant I/II/III, Contracts & Grants

Accountant I/II/III, Contracts & Grants

Company: Auburn University

Job Location: Auburn University, 36849-5207

Category: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: USD $64,850.00/Yr. - USD $116,730.00/Yr.

Locations: Auburn University, Alabama

Categories: Financial & Business Operations

Job Type: Non-Faculty

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Contracts & Grants Accounting

Associated Division: Senior VP Research Econ Development

Req ID: 8548

Overview

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development is accepting applications for a Contracts & Grants Accountant.

This role provides comprehensive oversight of all financial activities related to extramural programs supporting research, instruction, outreach, and extension at Auburn University, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Key responsibilities include reviewing award documents to ensure proper setup and modifications, monitoring budgets and expenses to maintain compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations, and preparing and submitting financial reports and reimbursement requests. This role also collaborates with investigators and staff on budgetary and financial matters while ensuring adherence to funding guidelines. Additionally, the position oversees the closeout process for grants and contracts, ensuring accurate reconciliations and final reporting.

Responsibilities

Level I/II

• Financial Review and Analysis: Conducts detailed financial reviews and analyzes sponsored agreements, including project periods, payment terms, budget allocations, and compliance with all relevant regulations, financial reporting requirements, and cost-sharing commit
• System Updates: Updates the financial system with all necessary sponsored, cost-share, third-party accounts as dictated by agreement packages received from the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). Ensures consistency in data capture for internal and external reporting and responsible unit award management.
• Collaboration: Collaborates with the pre-award office, college and department contacts, and sponsor points of contact to process amendments to awards, budget reallocations, and interim reporting from inception to closeout.
• Financial Reporting: Prepares and submits financial reports in accordance with the terms of sponsored agreements. Maintains authority to invoice sponsors on behalf of the University.
• Billing and Receivables: Ensures accurate and timely billing of grant and contract receivables and consolidates federal fund draw requests.
• Regulatory Guidance: Provides regulatory guidance to faculty, administrative units, and staff, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing sponsored research. Builds trust and provides efficient and effective support to diverse constituents both internally and externally.
• Expertise Maintenance: Maintains expertise in interpreting and applying federal and state regulations governing sponsored research, including 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, standard federal research terms and conditions, state regulations, other agency-specific requirements, and non-financial regulatory requirements. Stays current with developments in research administration through participation in professional development activities.
• Cost Transfers: Reviews cost transfers for sponsored projects, ensuring proper recording and execution of financial transfers in accordance with applicable internal and external guidelines.

Level III

• Financial Review and Analysis: Conducts detailed financial reviews and analyzes sponsored agreements, including project periods, payment terms, budget allocations, and compliance with all relevant regulations, financial reporting requirements, and cost-sharing commitments.
• System Updates: Updates the financial system with all necessary sponsored, cost-share, third-party accounts as dictated by agreement packages received from the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). Ensures consistency in data capture for internal and external reporting and responsible unit award management.
• Collaboration: Collaborates with the pre-award office, college and department contacts, and sponsor points of contact to process amendments to awards, budget reallocations, and interim reporting from inception to closeout.
• Financial Reporting: Prepares and submits financial reports in accordance with the terms of sponsored agreements. Maintains authority to invoice sponsors on behalf of the University.
• Billing and Receivables: Ensures accurate and timely billing of grant and contract receivables and consolidates federal fund draw requests.
• Regulatory Guidance: Provides regulatory guidance to faculty, administrative units, and staff, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing sponsored research. Builds trust and provides efficient and effective support to diverse constituents both internally and externally.
• Expertise Maintenance: Maintains expertise in interpreting and applying federal and state regulations governing sponsored research, including 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, standard federal research terms and conditions, state regulations, other agency-specific requirements, and non-financial regulatory requirements. Stays current with developments in research administration through participation in professional development activities.
• Cost Transfers: Reviews cost transfers for sponsored projects, ensuring proper recording and execution of financial transfers in accordance with applicable internal and external guidelines. Consistency in Costing: Identifies and corrects errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents, and reports, and processes adjustments or refunds as necessary.
• Record Maintenance: Maintains organized and up-to-date financial records, ensuring all required documentation is accurately filed and readily accessible.
• Grant Closure: Reconciles project expenses, archives records, and submits final reports to ensure proper grant closure. Requires frequent interaction with faculty, staff, and administration.
• Policy Development: Assists with the development, review, and maintenance of policies, procedures, tools, and resources based on the changing regulatory environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration.

Level I:

• 2 years of experience in accounting services
• Master's degree 0 years of experience in accounting services

Level II:

• 4 years of experience in accounting services
• Master's degree 2 years of experience in accounting services

Level III:

• 6 years of experience in accounting services
• Master's degree 4 years of experience in accounting services

Desired Qualifications:

• Contracts and Grants Accounting experience
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Experience in Higher Education
• Working knowledge of Auburn University policies and procedures

Contract Type: Continuing