Accountant - Sponsored Projects Accounting (UTIA)

Accountant - Sponsored Projects Accounting
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA)
Knoxville, TN

Duties and Responsibilities:

Position manages accounting functions within the Sponsored Projects Accounting Office at the UT Institute of Agriculture to ensure the accuracy, timeliness and efficiency of post award financial administration.

Position analyzes contracts and agreements for financial obligations, interprets and applies regulations and guidelines insuring all requirements are met. Provides institute-level accounting oversight throughout the projects’ life. Responsibilities include financial reports and invoicing to external sponsors and prompt collection of funds owed to the university under these awards. Serves as primary contact during financial audits of Institute of Agriculture sponsored project accounts and works with university personnel and external agencies to resolve problems of financial compliance. Performs account closeout and produces final financial, inventory, patent, and equipment reports for sponsors.

Position works with UTIA administrators, faculty, business and program staff analyzing charges, insuring costs are allowable and within projects’ budgets. Position provides guidance and informal training to faculty, departmental staff, center staff, and regional and county Extension personnel.

Position helps develop fiscal policies and procedures to minimize the university’s risk. Provides financial information and reports to UTIA administrators and its budget directors.

Position will be remote but limited overnight travel will be required to meet with auditors, attend meetings, or continuing professional education.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or closely related field will be considered with three or more years of work experience in accounting or closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication, organizational and customer service skills.
• Analytical and decision-making skills.
• Accounting and finance management skills

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s with one or more years of work experience preferably in sponsored projects accounting.
• Certified Public Accountant.
• Work experience in post award financial management of extramural funding.
• Work experience with federal cost accounting principles at a higher education institution.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge OMB Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Knowledge of SAP or other, similar, integrated information systems.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects while under strict deadlines.
• Advanced spreadsheet and data management skills.
• Ability to solve complex problems and to resolve issues.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to interact with internal and external contacts in a professional manner and exhibit strong interpersonal skills.

Application Procedure:

Qualified individuals should send their application materials via electronic means through the UT recruitment website at: https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions/.