Research Accountant

Research Accountant

The Research Office manages approximately $307 million in annual research expenditures associated with over 2,300 sponsored research projects and is responsible for central research administration of all sponsored contracts and grants awarded to the University of Delaware (UD). Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, Research Accounting and Billing, the Research Accountant manages and administers the post-award administration of assigned externally funded sponsored programs and other restricted funds to ensure compliance with governing federal, state, sponsor, UD requirements and generally accepted accounting principles. This position serves as a key resource providing guidance, oversight and support to faculty, researchers and staff relating to the post-award activities of assigned sponsored programs. The incumbent is expected to foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders and exhibit a strong commitment to customer service and excellence.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manages and administers the post-award administration of assigned externally funded sponsored programs and other restricted funds of a diversified funding portfolio.
• Oversees and monitors all post-award activities throughout the award life cycle:
• Utilizes system reports, queries and other tools to effectively monitor, control, and accurately report award revenues and expenditures in accordance with sponsor and UD requirements.
• Performs interim reconciliations and analyses in accordance with established standard operating procedures to effectively monitor an award's financial activities.
• Exercises sound judgement to assure award costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and consistent with governing sponsor regulations, UD policies, and cost principles.
• Coordinates and/or implements required actions with relevant parties to avoid waste, loss, and misuse of funds.
• Prepares and/or approves accounting entries as required.
• Coordinates with individuals across the research community to ensure effective post-award administration:
• Establishes and maintains a productive and positive relationship with central office, faculty, departmental, and sponsor personnel that fall under area of responsibility.
• Assists administering departments and faculty members on the post-award management of assigned sponsored programs in coordination with Research Office team members.
• Collaborates with stakeholders through periodic meetings and communications to address/resolve any award financial discrepancies or other post-award related matters.
• Coordinates with the Research Office's Pre-Award Team to assist with submission of no-cost extensions, budget revisions or continued funding.
• Co-monitors accounts receivables for assigned awards with the Research Office's Billing Team, coordinating with appropriate stakeholders to address outstanding documentation or issues when award payments are being withheld.
• Keeps supervisor(s) informed of potential problematic areas. Escalates critical issues to supervisor in a timely manner to avoid compliance risks or penalties.
• Prepares and submits all required financial, other non-technical reports, and supporting documentation to sponsors by applicable deadlines.
• Prepares financial reconciliations and closeout packages in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Analyzes and approves post-close entries, investigates questionable items and completes all required closeout documents.
• Completes timely inactivation of award/projects with the sponsor and UD systems.
• Applies and maintains knowledge of UD and sponsor systems, procedures, and policies:
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of departmental and/or sponsor post-award systems, reports, and queries to produce professional work. This includes proficiency in Excel, email, sponsor specific software/websites, financial systems, etc.
• Interprets and administers rules, regulations, policies, and procedures by UD and external funding agencies.
• Keeps current with respect to policies, procedures and requirements of the UD, Federal and State agencies, and various other sponsors to support compliance of assigned awards.
• Continuously seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of post-award business processes by providing and/or implementing well-conceived recommendations.
• Maintains educational proficiency by regularly attending professional training sessions on work-related issues. Demonstrates knowledge gained by applying it to operations and informing colleagues of new developments.
• Demonstrates a willingness and flexibility in performing new tasks, responsibilities, and special projects.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or closely related field with three years of job-related experience or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Higher education experience preferred.
• Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent understanding of accounting concepts and ability to apply those principles.
• Ability to organize and analyze data.
• Ability to reconcile financial information with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments in a professional manner.
• Familiarity with UD accounting systems, policies and procedures preferred.
• Experience with Oracle/PeopleSoft Financials desirable.
• Knowledge of federal grant post-award administration, financial accounting principles, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, OMB Circulars A-21, A-110, A-133, Cost Accounting Standards and GAAP.
• Strong customer service focus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet shared and individual goals.
• Ability to be flexible, adaptable and responsiveness.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare finance reports statements and/or projections
• Skill in fostering a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to support and mentor individuals from diverse backgrounds and promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment.