Research Accountant

Clarkson University; Potsdam (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarkson University is seeking a Research Accountant to manage post-award sponsored project accounting. You will handle invoicing, draw-downs, and grant reporting while coordinating with investigators and Sponsored Research Services.

The role requires strong regulatory knowledge and attention to detail. Ideal candidates have an associate degree or equivalent accounting experience, with familiarity in PeopleSoft and grant closeout processes.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or at least 5 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Understanding of regulations related to federally sponsored programs and reporting.
• Strong organizational, data, verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual and periodic invoices and financials for sponsors.
• Prepare monthly draw-downs against letters of credit for expenditures.
• Respond to invoice/report inquiries from sponsoring agencies.
• Prepare invoices for non-sponsored customers.
• Generate invoices and reports for sponsored projects and monitor payments; send reminders for overdue payments.
• Review and approve expense reports per Controller’s Office policy.
• Disseminate internal grant reports to Principal Investigators and stakeholders.
• Enter accounting entries for grant cost transfers as needed.
• Maintain financial trees and contracts in PeopleSoft for sponsored projects.
• Support closeout of sponsored awards per applicable regulations.
• Assist with year-end audits and Uniform Guidance audits for Sponsored Research.
• Participate in testing for new financial system functionality.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Oral and written communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Associate Degree in Accounting or Business Administration

Job description

Pay Range

USD $25.97 - USD $23.00 /Yr.

Overview

The Research Accountant is responsible for performing a variety of accounting activities associated with sponsored research in accordance with accounting principles and standards to control the University’s financial resources and ensuring that the University complies with all relevant regulations, laws and reporting requirements.

The Research Accountant will provide professional-level administrative and fiscal support within a post- award sponsored project accounting environment and be responsible for proactively managing the associated function. The position supports the Senior Research Accountant in managing financial functions for sponsored research programs and serves as liaison with Sponsored Research Services, Principal Investigators, and Agencies to create, monitor, and closeout research awards from an accounting perspective in a timely manner

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual and periodic task-oriented invoices and financials cash reports to sponsoring agencies
• Prepare monthly draw-downs against letters of credit of financial expenditures
• Respond directly to invoice/report inquiries from sponsoring agencies
• Prepare invoices for non sponsored customers
• Generate invoices and reports for sponsored research projects and follow-up for payments; Use aging reports and send out reminders for outstanding payments; takes action to ensure payments.
• Review and approve expense reports in accordance with Controller’s Office policy.
• Disseminate internal grant reports to Principal Investigators and University stakeholders
• Prepare and enter accounting entries for grant cost transfers as needed
• Maintain financial trees within PeopleSoft for sponsored research projects
• Maintain sponsored program contracts within PeopleSoft
• Provide support to the Sr. Research Accountant with the financial closeout of all sponsored research awards in accordance with federal, state, or agency regulations. If necessary, refund sponsor based on award terms and conditions or transfers residual funds into the appropriate residual project.
• Maintain a working knowledge of governmental regulations as they pertain to sponsored programs
• Provide support for year-end audit of financial statements, Uniform Guidance audit, and any other applicable audits related to Sponsored Research
• Participate in process data testing as new financial system functionality is released.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education:Minimal Qualifications: Associate Degree in Accounting or Business Administration or at least 5 years of relevant accounting experience

Essential Skills

• Understanding of regulations as they relate to federally sponsoredprograms
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion, particularly in matters relative to sensitive or confidential information, personnel or organizational matters.
• Excellent organizational, data, verbal and writtencommunication skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both orally and in writing) and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Strong customer service skills
• Positive team-oriented attitude
• Ability to work under pressure, independently with attention to detail and to meet deadlines
• Proficient with personal computer office applications, e-mail and internet.
• Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills in a changing environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

Disclaimer Statement

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

EEO Statement

Special Instructions to Applicants:

An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities.

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records