Sr Grant Accountant

Sr Grant Accountant

Salary Range: Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications About SMU SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem paired with entrepreneurial drive creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position: This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Senior Grant Accounts performs overall financial management of grants and contracts including monitoring direct charges, processing expenditures on a timely basis, and working with researchers and campus departments. The positions tracks spending against budget and verify accuracy of departmental forms and journal entries. The position is also is responsible for financial reports, invoices, and setup of new awards and incremental funding in the PeopleSoft financial system.

Essential Functions: Perform overall financial management of grants and contracts including monitoring direct charges, processing expenditures on a timely basis, and working with researchers and campus departments. Track spending against budget and verify accuracy of departmental forms and journal entries. Prepare financial spending reports to grant sponsors using different formats for federal (such as NSF), state, foundation, and corporate sponsors. Prepare bills (invoices), send to sponsors and ensure cash is collected on a timely basis. Setup new grants in PeopleSoft to enable spending by the researchers. This includes input a mix of financial and non-financial measures. Develop ad hoc financial projections for grant spending, operational metrics, and recommendations for process and system improvements. Create internal training programs and assist researchers in managing their awards to ensure spending on a timely, effective, and allowable basis.

Qualifications Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in accounting or finance. A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in accounting is required. Experience in the financial management of grant budgets and spending is preferred. General accounting and financial reporting experience in a nonprofit or higher education institution is a plus. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, time management, and problem solving skills. Candidate must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and within a team environment. Candidate must have a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook) and Windows. Experience with Peoplesoft is preferred. Experience with new system implementation projects desired.

Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas

Job: Finance and Accounting

Organization: Controller's Office

Schedule: Regular

Shift: Staff

Employee Status: Individual Contributor

Job Type: Full-time

Job Level: Day Job

Travel: No

Southern Methodist University