Research Accountant

The Research Accountant oversees the financial and accounting administration of grants and contracts received from all grant funding sources.

• Creates agency financial and progress reports as required by the agencies
• Completes post-award monitoring to ensure compliance with rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, accounts receivable, invoicing, expenditures, financial reporting, cost-sharing documentation, cost transfers, voucher approvals, extensions, account close-out, indirect costs, sub-recipient monitoring, and annual audit requirements
• Processes time and effort reports each semester
• Creates grant and cost-share cost centers and budgets for new awards
• Assists in reviewing award documents, sponsor regulations and requirements, and university policies and procedures to ensure grants and contracts are in compliance with applicable regulations
• Provides financial and regulatory guidance to principal investigators, faculty, and departmental and college staff; assists with questions regarding expenditures and budgetary projections, sponsored project requirements, and university/agency fiscal policies and procedures; provides monthly/quarterly financial data or reports
• Assists internal, state, or federal auditors in conducting reviews of sponsored programs
• Participates in the implementation of training programs; prepares training materials and trains faculty, project personnel, and staff on research and sponsored programs; develops and/or recommends processes and procedures to maximize staff efficiencies
• Manages all report timelines, as well as provides reporting updates for university communications

• Performs other duties as assigned

Direct Reports:

• None

Delegation of Work:

• N/A

Supervision Given:

• N/A

Required Education:

• Baccalaureate degree in Accounting or a related field.

Required Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of job-related experience

License/Certification:

• None Required

• Certified Research Administrator
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the federal, agency, state, and university policies, procedures, and guidelines for grant funding in a higher education environment; the associated trends, issue, and accepted practices

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment

Physical Demands:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements. Position is physically comfortable; individual has discretion about walking (20%), standing (10%), sitting (70%), etc. Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks.

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Research and Analysis

• Applies knowledge and skills to collect and analyze relevant data and information.
• Assesses benefits and risks, and prepares comprehensive reports of findings.
• Submits recommendations for management's review and evaluation.

Instruction/Training

• Demonstrates the ability to orally convey subject or message clearly and concisely to the intended audience.
• Generates interest and enthusiasm in the subject or message from the participants.
• Responds to participants' reactions or comments, and adjusts delivery style and/or format of presentation as needed.
• Possesses a thorough understanding of the subject or topic to provide practical responses to questions or issues.
• Displays applicable visuals and provides appropriate written materials to support the presentation.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.