Accountant II

001 University of Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 57,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester is seeking an Accountant II to manage post-award grant and institutional funds within the Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Div. This role emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and collaboration with faculty and division leadership.

Responsibilities include reconciliations, reporting, payroll allocations, and subaward management, leveraging URGEMS and Workday to ensure sound fiscal stewardship and timely financial insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or equivalent and 3 years of relevant experience required.
• Proficiency in financial/accounting systems and Microsoft Excel; URGEMS, Workday or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., NIH Uniform Guidance) and research administration practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Account reconciliation for sponsored and institutional funds, including preparation of journal entries and financial tracking.
• Prepare sponsor financial reports, invoices, and closeouts with attention to accuracy and timeliness.
• Process payroll cost allocations and salary distributions; monitor effort reporting and compliance with sponsor requirements.
• Review subaward invoices and expenditures; support budgeting and forecasting throughout the award lifecycle.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent working

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Tools

URGEMS

Workday

Microsoft Excel

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address): 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening: Worker Subtype: Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Department: 400057 Medicine M&D-Gastroentrol Div Work Shift: UR - Day (United States of America) Range: UR URG 109

Compensation Range: $56,500.00 - $79,100.00 The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Accountant to provide comprehensive financial management for post-award grant support /institutional financial management support, primarily for Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Pulmonary Critical Care. Support may be leveraged for other Department of Medicine divisions as operational needs evolve. This mid-level position plays a critical role in providing comprehensive financial management for sponsored and institutional funds. Accountant II supports faculty and division leadership through financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, post-award administration, account reconciliation, reporting, and stewardship of financial resources while ensuring compliance with University and sponsor requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Account Reconciliation Establish and reconcile sponsored research and institutional financial accounts, including unrestricted operating, gift, endowment, designated, carryforward accounts. Assemble ledgers and perform monthly financial reconciliations using URGEMS, UR Financials (Workday), and other University financial systems to ensure the accuracy and integrity of sponsored and institutional accounts. Monitor sponsored projects and departmental budgets, expenditures, payroll, encumbrances, and funding distributions to ensure appropriate stewardship of sponsored and institutional resources. Research and resolve financial discrepancies, prepare journal entries, process Workday financial transactions and approvals, and maintain accurate financial records and financial tracking systems in support of sound fiscal management. Analyze account activity and financial trends to identify opportunities for improved financial performance, operational efficiencies, and proactive financial planning. Provide recommendations to Division leadership regarding fiscal risks, budget variances, and corrective action.
• Financial Reporting, Analysis & Compliance Prepare and distribute financial reports, forecasts, and ad hoc analyses for faculty, Division leadership, and Department leadership to support strategic planning and informed financial decision-making. Analyze financial performance, spending trends, budget variances, and projections; identify fiscal risks and opportunities; and provide recommendations to improve financial performance and long-term planning. Prepare sponsor financial reports, invoices, drawdowns, and financial account closeouts, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting. Review and process financial transactions and University forms, including travel reimbursements, SIRs, requisitions, purchase orders, cost center billings, Vivarium charges, and other financial documents in accordance with University policies and procedures. Review expenditures for allowability, budget availability, appropriate funding sources, and compliance with sponsor requirements, University policies, financial regulations, and internal controls governing sponsored and institutional funds. Support proposal budget development, sponsor progress reporting, annual financial reviews, and financial forecasting throughout the award lifecycle. Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive financial, payroll, and personnel information.
• Payroll, Effort & Financial Planning Process and reconcile payroll cost allocations, accounting adjustments, and funding distributions in Workday to ensure accurate allocation of salary expenses across sponsored and institutional accounts. Monitor payroll allocations, effort commitments, salary distributions, and cost sharing to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, University policies, approved budgets, and effort reporting requirements. Review payroll reports, investigate and resolve discrepancies, implement corrective actions, and maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll-related financial records. Provide guidance to faculty and Division leadership on payroll funding, salary distributions, effort commitments, and related financial stewardship. Support salary planning, budget development, workforce financial planning, annual reporting, and financial audits related to sponsored and institutional funding.
• Subcontract Management & Invoicing Review, process, and reconcile subaward invoices to ensure accuracy, allowability, budget availability, and compliance with sponsor and University requirements. Monitor subrecipient financial activity, invoice status, payment processing, and remaining balances; maintaining accurate financial records in Workday. Collaborate with Research Administration by providing financial oversight and supporting subaward modifications, funding amendments, no-cost extensions, and closeout activities throughout the award lifecycle. Develop and maintain financial tracking tools to monitor subaward expenditures, available funding, and overall financial performance.
• Financial Operations, Process Improvement & Professional Development Identify and implement process improvements, strengthen internal controls, and recommend enhancements to financial systems, workflows, reporting tools and operational processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Evaluate financial processes and recommend best practices to improve financial performance, regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship and operational excellence. Serve as a financial resource to faculty, Division leadership, and staff by providing guidance on sponsored and institutional funding, budgeting, financial policies, workday processes and stewardship of University resources. Maintain current knowledge of University financial systems, policies, sponsor requirements, regulatory changes, Workday enhancements, and industry best practices through participation in departmental, University, and professional development activities.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or equivalent and 3 years of relevant experience required Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., NIH Uniform Guidance) and research administration practices preferred. Experience in and knowledge of IORA (Integrated Online Research Administration) and federal grant application platforms (e.g. ASSIST) preferred Proficiency in financial/accounting systems and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with URGEMS, Workday or similar platforms preferred. Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills preferred. Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple deadlines preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Continuous Learning for Administrators of Sponsored Programs (CLASP) within 1 year preferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.

Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better. If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals. At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.