Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number: S4716P

Home Org Name: Contracts & Grants Accounting

Division Name: VP for Research and Economic Dev

Position Title: Central Accountant I, II, III

Job Class Code: KA07

Appointment Status: Full-time

Job Summary: Auburn University’s Office of the Sr. Vice President of Research and Economic Development is accepting applications for the position of Central Accountant I, II, III. This position is responsible for journal entries, reporting, analysis, and audit/reconciliation of accounts for Contracts & Grants Accounting.

Essential Functions

• 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.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Minimum Qualifications

Level I: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with 2 years of experience in accounting services; or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with 0 years of experience.

Level II: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with 4 years of experience; or Master’s degree with 2 years of experience.

Level III: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with 6 years of experience; or Master’s degree with 4 years of experience.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities: Possesses and applies a broad knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization to the completion of difficult assignments. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Broad knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Excellent organization and time management skills. Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Minimum Technology Skills: Not specified.

Minimum License and Certifications: None Required.

Desired Qualifications

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

Salary Range: $51,590 - $113,330

Job Category: Business/Accounting/Finance

City position is located in: Auburn

State position is located: Alabama

Posting Date: 09/02/2025