"Senior Grants & Contracts Accountant"

Senior Grants & Contracts Accountant

Posted: 18-Jan-26

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Categories: Financial, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 8733

UNC Overview:

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, UNC Asheville is the designated public liberal arts campus in the University of North Carolina system. UNC Asheville is nationally known for the quality of our student-centered teaching, mentoring of undergraduates in research, interdisciplinary learning, and striving to be an inclusive campus community.

UNC Asheville is committed to promoting diversity and a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and the ability to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds. The successful candidate is expected to foster an inclusive work culture where uniqueness of beliefs, backgrounds, talents, capabilities and ways of living are respected and welcomed.

Classification Title: Accountant III

Department: Budget & Finance

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Months per Year: 12 Months

Position Summary:

The Senior Grants and Contracts Accountant (SGCA) reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance and supports UNC Asheville's mission and strategic plan with responsibility for all aspects related to grants and contract accounting.

The SGCA will be the lead campus representative for post-award accounting activities and focuses on effective post-award grant management in an academic setting, ensuring compliance with federal, state, UNC system, and campus polices and regulations. The role involves leadership and collaboration with external agencies, faculty, research deans, and the Office of Research, executed with independence, innovation, specialized knowledge, and accuracy. This position is responsible for all research related grant and contract activities including post-award financial and non-financial actions, with emphasis on compliance, cash management and financial reporting.

The SGCA has a fiduciary responsibility to all external funding agencies to monitor funds entrusted to the University and assure funds are not misused. To maintain the University integrity, this position responsible for resolving audit exceptions/disallowances.

SGCGA also will be responsible for developing and negotiating the University's short form indirect cost proposal with the appropriate federal agency.

The SGCGA will also work closely with the University's financial aid and student accounts offices as the fiscal agent for US Dept of Education (USDOE) source funds recovery and reconciliation.

The UNC Asheville AVC Finance/Controller's office seeks to provide a high level of support to the University and its stakeholders in a competent, approachable, reliable, empathetic, and responsive manner. The SGPAA is responsible for representing these pillars in both attitude and action.

Minimum Education/Experience/Skill:

Bachelor's degree with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework; or Associate's degree in accounting; or Associate's degree in business or related discipline with 12 credit hours of accounting coursework; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Preferred Education/Experience/Skill:

Four -year degree in accounting or business, with minimum of 3 years' experience in a contracts and grants related field emphasizing management, planning, and systems. CPA preferred, but not required.

Knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulations, as well as abilities in comprehension of intricate contract terms and conditions; skills in use of computers, including intermediate Excel skills and word processing applications. Use of Banner Financial Accounting system will be required. A clear understanding of general accounting is critical.

Quick Link for Positing: 8733

EO/AA/ADA Employer: None at this time. While not directly supervising, this position has been dedicated approximately 20% time from an Accounting Technician to assist with budgeting and invoicing.