Post-Award Accountant, Sponsored Projects Accounting, University of Tennessee Institute of Agricultu

The UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Sponsored Projects Accounting department (SPA) provides effective and efficient post-award support for externally funded research, extension and teaching activities while also ensuring compliance. The Post-Award Accountant reports to the Director of Sponsored Projects Accounting and provides fiscal and accounting support to achieve the mission. The SPA department provides financial administrative, accounting, and auditing service to the UTIA research community for post-award functions and coordinates activities with the UTIA Office of Sponsored Programs which provides pre-award support. The position assists in the compliance of all grant and contract funding, including the set-up, invoicing, compliance, close-out, and audit for all federal, state, local, and private grants for all research, teaching, and outreach extramural funding at UTIA. The position manages accounting functions within the Sponsored Projects Accounting Office at the Institute of Agriculture to ensure the accuracy, timeliness and efficiency of post-award fiscal administration.  The Post-Award Accountant works to minimize risk to the university from restricted account activity and maximize university cash flow through accounts receivable management. Position may work remote or hybrid.

Sponsored Projects Accounting

• Analyzes contracts and agreements for spending restrictions, reporting deadlines, payment request information and liability.
• Creates accounts in the university's financial system.
• Coordinates activities with other campuses or units on joint projects.
• Maintains accounts throughout the life of a project.
• Analyzes expenditures by interpreting and applying fiscal regulations and guidelines to ensure that all federal, state and university requirements are met for each sponsored project. 
• Processes payment requests to agencies.
• Manages letter of credit draws of funds using various agency websites.
• Prepares financial reports for sponsors and certifies them on behalf of the university, submitting them to external sponsors.  Ensures reports are reconciled to the university ledger.
• Monitors subcontract financial reports.
• Assists in the training and instruction of business managers, faculty, and other research staff.
• Helps develop policies and procedures to reduce financial risk exposure from federal, state and private audits.
• Closes projects by processing final financial, inventory, patent and equipment reports, etc.

Financial Risk Management

• Works with faculty and business managers to review and analyze charges and ensure they remain within agency approved budget categories.
• Works with other university units on joint projects including budgetary matters.
• Works with funding agencies to execute budget changes.
• Monitors accounts for any expenditure overages.

Audit and Compliance

• Assists in the development of procedures based on auditor input and regulatory guidelines.
• Conducts and monitors compliance activities to reduce financial exposure resulting from federal, state and private audits.
• Initiates corrective actions to ensure that financial operations and records conform to University policies and sponsor regulations.
• Collaborates with the UTIA Office of Sponsored Programs (pre-award) and departments to ensure consistent, timely, accurate, and compliant financial activities, charges, and procedures.
• Assists in responses and communication with internal and external audits.
• Interacts with sponsoring agencies on financial matters related to funding, budgets, allowable cost, and external review.

Subcontract Management

• Works directly with academic department staff to monitor fiscal aspects of subawards to ensure the recipient follows fiscal regulations and guidelines.
• Determines appropriate actions on budget revisions.
• Assists in ensuring that any required match is met and subaward does not exceed funding cap.
• Ensures that subawardee has submitted all relevant financial information, patent forms, equipment reports, etc., as required for close out phase.

Accounts Receivable Coordination

• Enters and reconciles accounts receivable for assigned projects.
• Responsible for collection and follow up of outstanding payment requests.
• Coordinates the handling of uncollected debts with academic offices and general counsel.
• Monitors and manages approximately $40 million in receivables to maximize the university's cash flow.
• Assists in the development of accounts receivable policies and procedures to accelerate cash flow.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in accounting or finance

• Experience: 3 years of relevant accounting experience

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

  • Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills

  • Ability to exercise autonomy in financial management and compliance oversight activities

  • Sound analytical and decision-making skills

  • Effective use of MS Office Suite products

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: Master’s Degree with a concentration in accounting, finance, or similar field of study

• Experience: Current experience in sponsored projects accounting

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and OMB Uniform Guidance

  • Experience with University DASH ERP system and Huron research suite.

  • Advanced spreadsheet and data management / analysis skills

  • Ability to solve complex problems and to resolve issues

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of information

  • Ability to interact with internal and external contacts in a professional manner and exhibit strong interpersonal skills

Work Location:

• Location: UT-Knoxville Campus

• Remote with potential for hybrid or on-campus work schedule

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market range: MR13

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division: 

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is a special place. Here, our world-renowned researchers, educators, and experts create and deliver Real. Life. Solutions. every day that address some of society’s most pressing issues.

As one of the few land-grant university institutes of agriculture in the country, we are uniquely poised to serve Tennessee and beyond. The institute is home to UT AgResearch, UT Extension, the Herbert College of Agriculture, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Together, these units collaborate to create outstanding opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences.