Research Accountant

Alfred University is a Carnegie class small research university with over $5 million in sponsored research expenditures annually from grants and contracts from federal, state and private sources. Reporting to the Director of Sponsored Research Administration this position supports the financial administration of sponsored projects across the university’s diverse grant portfolio. This position performs pre award financial activity – including budget preparation and review, match determination and reporting. Post award support includes monthly budget monitoring, review of expenditures and labor allocations, billing, progress reporting, final reporting and fund closeout. This role ensures compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies. This role works closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs), Business Office, Human Resources, and departmental staff to maintain accurate, audit-ready records and promotes sound financial stewardship of sponsored awards. This role works collaboratively to improve compliance, service, accountability and efficient operations with all areas of the university.

This position/title is covered by the CSEA, Local 749 union contract. The successful candidate will be a member of the CSEA, Local 749 bargaining unit.

Salary: $74,548-$78,841, Annually

Essential Functions

• Prepares financial and progress reports required by sponsoring agencies; ensures completeness, accuracy, and timely submission.
• Performs monitoring to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, sponsor, and university regulations, including expense allowability and allocability, invoicing, expenditure review, effort reporting, travel, cost-sharing documentation, account closeouts, indirect cost calculations, subrecipient monitoring, and audit requirements.
• Establishes and maintains grant funds, budgets, and cost-share cost centers for new awards.
• Reviews award documents, sponsor regulations, and internal policies to confirm allowability and compliance before processing transactions.
• Provides financial guidance to PIs and departmental administrators on expenditure projections, regulations, and allowable cost practices; reconciles grant accounts including payroll and expenses on a monthly or quarterly basis, prepares recurring financial data reports (monthly or quarterly).
• Assists internal, state, and federal auditors by compiling documentation, schedules, and explanations related to sponsored program activity.
• Participates in training programs and develops instructional materials for faculty and staff on research administration processes.
• Manages reporting timelines, ensuring all financial reporting obligations are completed accurately and on schedule.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports and assists in creating intersections and pathways for faculty, staff and students that will assist in transforming people’s lives.
• Supports and assists in creating an evolving culture of connection, mentoring and rich engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
• Maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experiences, therefore welcoming and supporting all faculty, staff and students and expanding access to the AU experience.
• Maintains a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment.
• Participates in all required assigned training, including safety training and will comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Contributes to the overall success of the University by performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications-Education & Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, finance or related field, Masters degree preferred
• 3+ years of accounting experience, audit documentation and grant post-award experience preferred.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA), or CPA preferred
• Strong analytical, organizational, budgeting, and ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and compliance.
• Proficiency with Excel and grant ERP systems.