Research Accountant 1

InsideHigherEd; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Silicon Valley seeks a Research Accountant to manage post-award accounting activities. The role involves ensuring compliance, preparing financial reports, and collaborating with staff to clarify financial terms. This position offers competitive pay and the possibility of remote work within the US.

Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Knowledge of Stanford research administration processes is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform post-award accounting activities and establish account setups.
• Prepare financial reports and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Monitor project activity for compliance and conduct reconciliations.

Skills

Knowledge of contract and grant procedures

Accounting practices

Ability to analyze transactions

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Oracle

Excel

Job description

Research Accountant 1 - Business Affairs, Redwood City, California, United States

Stanford University is one of Silicon Valley's largest employers and a leader in education and research. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. We foster a culture of diversity, collaboration, and professional growth, offering career development, competitive pay, and benefits that promote well-being.

The Office of Research Administration (ORA) supports Stanford's research mission by managing sponsored projects and related agreements. ORA handles over 5,000 proposals annually and manages more than 7,500 active projects with a total budget exceeding $2.2 billion.

This position may be eligible for remote work within the US.

Job Purpose

We seek a Research Accountant to join the Postaward Team. This new role involves performing post-award accounting activities, establishing and approving account setups, preparing financial reports, invoicing sponsors, and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. The role includes signing off on simple financial reports and cost transfers, and full authority over award setup and baseline adjustments.

Core Duties

1. Review and interpret legal documents related to financial terms, billing, reporting, and restrictions.
2. Ensure correct account setup in financial systems, returning for correction if needed.
3. Collaborate with institutional and departmental staff to clarify financial terms and ensure compliance.
4. Prepare timely interim and quarterly financial reports for departments or sponsors.
5. Verify and analyze expenditures, effort, cost sharing, equipment, and expenses.
6. Monitor project activity for compliance, including cost overruns and unallowable expenses, and perform final closeouts.
7. Conduct reconciliations and resolve routine issues; handle complex projects as assigned.
8. Coordinate with billing staff to ensure costs are billed and invoices generated.
9. Serve as a resource on grant and accounting procedures, policies, and regulations.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.

Desired Skills: Knowledge of contract and grant procedures, accounting practices, Oracle, Excel, and familiarity with Stanford research administration processes is preferred. Ability to analyze transactions, reconcile financial data, and communicate effectively is essential.

Physical and Working Conditions

Primarily sedentary work involving computer tasks; occasional use of phone; minimal physical effort required. May require occasional extended hours during peak periods.

Stanford provides reasonable accommodations for disabilities and expects compliance with safety and university policies.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Salary Range: $85,332 to $92,000 (hybrid), $60,464 to $89,470 (remote)
• Requisition ID: 106424