Staff Accountant-Research Accounting

Georgia Southern University; Statesboro (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Southern University is seeking a Staff Accountant-Research Accounting to manage the post-award financial operations for sponsored projects from setup through closeout. The role ensures compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and university regulations and maintains rigorous internal controls.

Responsibilities include monitoring expenditures, reconciling transactions to the general ledger, and providing detailed financial reporting and documentation to support university research

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited program.
• Minimum two years of accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial aspects of sponsored projects from award setup to closeout
• Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with award terms
• Review accounting documents for conformity to policies and standards
• Prepare, approve, post, and reconcile sponsored financial transactions to University general ledger
• Reconcile accounts and ensure accuracy in the general ledger
• Maintain detailed documentation of financial activity for each award

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Staff Accountant-Research Accounting

Job ID: 304452

Location: Statesboro, Georgia

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher learning south of Atlanta, and one of the most dynamic public universities in the Southeast.

Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern has grown from a single-purpose college into a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution with 149 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, serving 31,600 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and more than 100 nations.

Four distinct campuses extend Georgia Southern's reach across the region: a 900-acre quintessential college campus in Statesboro, anchored by Georgian-style red-brick buildings set among oaks and pines; the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, minutes from historic downtown and a short drive from the beaches of Tybee Island; a modern, purpose-built facility in Hinesville serving local and military-affiliated students; and the East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro, an outdoor oasis nestled on a 385-acre pine forest, offering expanded pathways to higher education for students across southeast Georgia.

Through ten colleges, the Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Science and Mathematics, the Jack N. Averitt College of Graduate Studies, the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, the Parker College of Business, the Waters College of Health Professions and University College, Georgia Southern delivers academic programs backed by real-world experience, research with regional and national impact, and a faculty committed to helping every student go further than they thought possible.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and holding specialized accreditation across its professional programs, Georgia Southern prepares graduates who are ready to lead, contribute and soar beyond, in Georgia, across the nation and around the world.

For more information, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.

Location

Statesboro Campus - Statesboro, GA

Department Information

Office of Financial Accounting

Job Summary

The Research Accountant is responsible for the post-award financial management of sponsored research projects. This includes ensuring compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and university regulations, timely and accurate financial reporting, and proper stewardship of research funds. Safeguard University assets and manage internal controls to mitigate risks. Manage sponsored projects and research awards. Manage internal controls ensuring that official financial records of University are current and accurate. Develop and maintain reporting tools and guidelines to provide superior financial information to support University's mission, strategic management initiatives and vision.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial aspects of sponsored projects from award setup to closeout
• Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with award terms
• Review accounting documents to verify conformity to pertinent policies, procedures, and accounting standards
• Prepare, approve, post, and reconcile sponsored financial transactions to University general ledger
• Reconcile accounts and ensure accuracy in the general ledger
• Prepare reconciliation and analysis of accounting records in connection with data requests
• Maintain detailed documentation of financial activity for each award

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting

Required Experience

• Two (2) or more years of experience in accounting field

Proposed Salary

$55,126 - $70,307

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two (2) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student success

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relation skills
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills

Apply Before Date

October 29, 2026

Application review may begin as early as October 8, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at [phone], or email [e-mail].

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards.More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line athttps://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line athttps://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University.

Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: [phone].

Other Information

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation
• Work generally performed in an office environment
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours
• Travel may be required

Background Check

• Standard + Education