Senior Accountant

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health coverage

University-paid life insurance

Retirement plans

Generous leave policies

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking a Senior Accountant to support the Office of the Vice President for Research Core Research Facilities, including the CMRF, HRMS, and MATFab facilities. You will manage budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, billing, and user records across multiple centers.

The role emphasizes accuracy, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle competing priorities in a fast-paced, research-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business or related field.
• 1-3 years of accounting or financial administration experience.
• Experience with financial management and reporting systems.
• Experience preparing journal entries and reconciliations.
• Strong attention to detail and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting across core research facilities.
• Oversee billing processes, user records, and financial transactions.
• Maintain inventory records and support facility administration.
• Provide customer service and data analysis to inform budgeting and reporting.
• Collaborate with multiple centers and departments to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Skills

Accounting experience

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Journal entries

Data analysis

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business or related field

Tools

Financial management software

Billing systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

The Senior Accountant supports the financial, operational, and administrative functions of the Office of the Vice President for Research Core Research Facilities, including the Central Microscopy Research Facility (CMRF), High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Facility (HRMS), and MATFab Facility. This position manages budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, billing and user records, inventory, customer service, and facility administration across multiple research service centers.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, research-focused environment.

Work Modality: Hybrid within Iowa, after the initial in-person training.

To learn more about the department visit https://research.uiowa.edu/core-facilities

About Pay and Compensation

Pay Grade: 4A

The hiring range for this position is anticipated to be $60,000-$65,000. Salary offers are based on a variety of factors, including education, experience, skills, and budget considerations. In limited circumstances, compensation outside of the anticipated range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications.

Qualifications

Education or Equivalency Required

A Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Typically, 1-3 years of accounting, financial administration, or related experience.
• Experience using financial management and reporting systems.
• Experience preparing and processing accounting transactions and journal entries.
• Experience performing account reconciliations and analyzing financial data.
• Experience gathering, validating, and organizing data from multiple systems and sources.
• Experience preparing financial reports and supporting budget administration.
• Experience with billing processes, including invoice generation, account maintenance, and financial transaction processing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, establish work priorities, and meet deadlines in a complex environment.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Experience supporting service center, recharge center, or cost-recovery operations.
• Experience developing, monitoring, and reconciling unit budgets.
• Experience preparing financial analyses, variance reports, and specialized financial reporting.
• Knowledge of university accounting systems and financial reporting tools.
• Experience with inventory management and purchasing for laboratory, research, healthcare, or technical operations.
• Knowledge of GAAP and governmental accounting principles.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of academic, research, or higher education policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Experience supporting research units, shared service centers, laboratories, or other specialized operational environments.
• Experience coordinating customer onboarding, training logistics, or user account administration.
• Experience working with faculty, researchers, external customers, and vendors.

Application Documents Required

• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent ( [e-mail] )

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

About the University of Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well‑being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

• Classification Title: Senior Accountant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus, Hybrid within Iowa

Contact Information

• Contact Name: VPR Talent

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .

Contact us to learn more about how to qualify for Veteran's Preference.