Accounting Specialist: Social Work & Public Research - UTK

Accounting Specialist: Social Work & Public Research - UTK Knoxville, TN, United States Job Description The Accounting Specialist is a key member of the SWORPS business office, supporting the College of Social Work’s applied research mission. This position ensures accurate and timely financial transactions, compliance with university and sponsor requirements, and clear guidance to staff across the department. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a customer-service mindset. SWORPS is a collaborative, service-oriented team, and we are seeking someone who will thrive in a fast-paced, friendly environment where responsiveness, teamwork, and professionalism are essential. The Accounting Specialist for the Tennessee Families Thrive (TFT) project will be responsible for managing and overseeing financial operations to ensure efficient and compliant processing of funds within this grant‑funded initiative. This role supports the financial integrity of the project by maintaining accurate records, implementing procedural standards, and ensuring alignment with organizational policies and funding requirements. The Accounting Specialist will collaborate closely with program staff to facilitate financial processes that advance household stability and economic mobility for families served under the TFT initiative. This is a grant‑funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. This position is anticipated to have a start date of August 1st, 2026. Responsibilities The Accounting Specialist II responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Process and reconcile accounting transactions including AP/AR invoices, reimbursements, deposits, vendor creation, petty cash, and transfer vouchers. Reconcile monthly ledgers for departmental, research, and gift accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy. Maintain chart of accounts and project SPN budget and personnel dashboards. Maintain accurate documentation and support audit readiness. Gather and submit expenditure documents for monthly reconciliation of chart of accounts and sponsored program accounts. Travel & Procurement Serve as the primary travel contact for the unit, providing responsive and professional support to staff. Process reimbursements, train new staff on travel procedures, and communicate policy changes. Manage purchasing processes including procurement card activity, requisitions and gift card requests. Reconcile, review and approve monthly procurement cards, travel cards and University issue OneCards. Policy Guidance/Communication Act as a resource for financial best practices, policies, and procedures. Communicate policy updates clearly and in a timely manner to staff across SWORPS and the College of Social Work. Contribute to a positive, service‑oriented environment by supporting colleagues and responding effectively to requests. Qualifications Required Qualifications Education: Associate degree or 2 years of progressively responsible accounting and administrative experience. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of basic accounting principles. Strong customer service orientation – responsive, friendly and effective in working with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in financial transactions. Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced service organization. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new financial systems. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment‑based visa status. Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field Experience: Experience in an academic environment Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of UT fiscal policies and procedures Work Location Location: Knoxville, Position requires in‑person reporting but has the possibility for being hybrid and working from home two days a week Compensation and Benefits UT market range: Salary will align with qualifications and experience; anticipated hiring range is on the high side of the market range midpoint. Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here Find more information on UT Benefits here Application Instructions Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews can begin as soon as 7 days from posting. Interested individuals should provide the following: Resume EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON‑DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEO office. #J-18808-Ljbffr