Staff Accountant, Grants & Contracts Accounting

Western Kentucky University's Office of Research and Creative Activity is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Staff Accountant to join the Grants and Contracts Accounting (GCA) team. This position plays a key role in the post-award financial administration of sponsored projects, ensuring accurate invoicing, financial reporting, and compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.

The Staff Accountant (Post-Award) reports to the Assistant Director of Grants and Contracts Accounting and works closely with principal investigators (PIs), departmental staff, and the Office of Sponsored Programs to support the financial lifecycle of externally funded awards.

Position Responsibilities

Award Setup & Maintenance

• Establish new grant and contract awards in Banner and related systems
• Maintain accurate award records and support ongoing data integrity
• Update project information as modifications and amendments occur

Financial Reporting & Invoicing

• Prepare and submit sponsor invoices in accordance with award terms and deadlines
• Generate periodic financial reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Reconcile project accounts and resolve discrepancies

Compliance & Monitoring

• Review expenditures to ensure allowability, allocability, and compliance with sponsor requirements
• Support compliance with federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), state requirements, and institutional policies
• Monitor subrecipient activity, including review and processing of subrecipient invoices

Cost Share & Project Support

• Track and document cost share commitments, including in-kind contributions
• Assist principal investigators and departmental staff with financial management of sponsored projects
• Provide guidance on budget management and financial processes

Closeout & Audit Support

• Assist with financial closeout of awards, ensuring deadlines and sponsor requirements are met
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries
• Participate in year-end closing activities

Training & Collaboration

• Provide training and one-on-one support to PIs and departmental staff on post-award financial processes
• Collaborate with GCA team members to improve processes and ensure consistent service delivery

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum of one (1) year of professional accounting experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines

Salary: $47,000 - $50,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

The following items must be submitted through this electronic talent management system: 

• Cover Letter
• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.