Senior Cost Accountant

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Job Code 18251 - 18256

Recruitment Pool All Applicants

Posting Number req8104

Unit University Controller MBU

Department Financial Reporting

Department Website Link https://controller.vcu.edu/reporting/

Location VCU

Address 912 West Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

VCU's Financial Reporting Office has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Cost Accountant to join our team!

VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can’t. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Join Our Team

Are you a detail-oriented accounting professional with a passion for higher education and research? We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Cost Accountant to join our finance team. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting the University's financial operations, including cost rate development, tax compliance, and institutional reporting. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy solving complex financial challenges, we encourage you to apply!

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Summary:

The Senior Cost Accountant provides advanced financial, tax, and analytical support to the University’s administration. This role is responsible for developing cost rate proposals, preparing federal tax filings, completing institutional surveys, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The position also supports fringe benefit rate development for both domestic and international operations, including Qatar. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting background, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across departments to support the University’s financial and research operations.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Rate Development

• Assist in the development and preparation of the University’s Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Cost Rate Proposal in accordance with OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Analyze and evaluate indirect cost pool codes assigned to financial reporting system accounts.
• Calculate F&A cost rate components and prepare required schedules, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Prepare additional analyses requested by the Federal government during the rate negotiation process.

Fringe Benefit Rate Proposal (University & Qatar)

• Collect, analyze, and summarize expenditure data and salary/fringe benefit factors affecting rate components.
• Develop actual fringe benefit rate analysis for federal reporting and proposed rates for sponsored and non-sponsored programs.
• Calculate fringe benefit rate components and prepare required schedules using OMB Circular A-21 methodology.
• Coordinate with other University staff to gather data, ensure accuracy and respond to internal inquiries.
• Calculate auxiliary indirect cost charges and post entries to Banner Finance.

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Prepare the University’s Federal Form 990-T (Unrelated Business Income Tax Return), including all related schedules and work papers (e.g., Form 4562, Extension Form 8868).
• Track the return of grant surveys and assess the taxability of commercially sponsored programs.
• Coordinate with University staff to collect necessary data and ensure accurate reporting.
• Ensure timely filing of all tax returns and extensions in compliance with IRS deadlines.

Survey Preparation & Reporting

• Prepare institutional surveys such as the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), National Science Foundation (NSF) Survey, and others as required.
• Develop and submit required schedules in accordance with agency instructions and deadlines.

General Financial Analysis & Support

• Conduct complex financial analyses and cost studies to support University Administration and meet Federal and State agency requirements.
• Interpret and apply complex financial regulations with institution-wide and statewide implications.
• Support special projects that enhance the research and financial operations of the University.

We are hiring for university job titles Financial Management Analyst 1 - Senior Financial Management Analyst 3. The appropriate university job title will be assigned based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

Note to applicants: VCU is transitioning to a new applicant tracking system beginning October 1, 2025. If you apply before that date, you may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after the system is live. Clear instructions will be provided at that time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in cost accounting, indirect rates management, tax compliance, and financial reporting, preferably in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, indirect rate development, federal tax regulations, and OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Experience preparing IRS Form 990-T and institutional surveys (e.g., NSF, COGR).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems; experience with ERP systems such as Banner Finance is a plus.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

FLSA University Employee

Job FTE 100

Exemption Status Exempt

Restricted Position No

E-Class UF - University Employee FT

Job Category University Employee

ORP Eligible No

Salary Range $98,500 - $124,100

Compensation Type Salaried

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter