Grants & Contracts Accountant
Application Deadline: March 23, 2024
Salary: $45,021
About Arkansas Tech:
Founded in 1909, Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive public institution with a rich history, maintaining regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and classification as a Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) level III institution. ATU was ranked the No. 1 regional public university in Arkansas by U.S. News and World Report in 2021-22 and 2022-23 and CollegeNET recognizes ATU as the No. 1 institution in Arkansas on its Social Mobility Index. Since 2019, Arkansas Tech has been the host institution for the prestigious Arkansas Governor’s School. The 559-acre Russellville campus, located in the scenic Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, is just one hour from the capital city of Little Rock. Russellville features a charming blend of historic and modern architecture as well as the recreational opportunities provided by Lake Dardanelle and several state parks. Offering more than 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs across five academic colleges and two campuses, Arkansas Tech strives to provide a solid educational foundation for life-long learning to a diverse community. For more information about Arkansas Tech University and the surrounding community, please visit our website at www.atu.edu/hr to find our “Live Here” informational resources.
Position Summary:
The Grants and Contracts Accountant (Coordinator of Grants Management) supports the Administration and Finance division with the post-award implementation and administration of grants and other contract programs. This position provides post-award administrative assistance and guidance in the administration and processing of sponsored grants and contracts. Develops and maintains contacts with sources of faculty research support. Provides support to researchers, departmental and center/university administrators, regarding the allowability and allocability of research-related expenses and other compliance related activities. Responsible for administering and monitoring procedures designed to comply with and implement appropriate regulations relating to government and private research grants and/or contracts pertaining to the interpretation and application of such procedures and regulations. Duties assigned may vary according to the specific needs of the Division and/or allocation of workload.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Monitors post award activities to ensure compliance for issues involving allowable costs, re-budgeting and reporting requirements, cost sharing and spending limitation, etc.
Facilitates, reviews and approves budget transfer and cost transfer requests in adherence with sponsoring agencies' regulations and university policies and procedures.
Process and submit prior approval request to the sponsor that includes actions such as No Cost Extensions, budget transfer requests and requests for additional funds.
Drafts and submits these requests to the funding agency when necessary.
Serve as primary resource for post award grant questions; communicate with and recommend and advise faculty and staff regarding post award issues; requests corrections and resolve discrepancies; interpret rules, regulations and compliance issues with respect to sponsored awards.
Reviews and approves Purchase Orders and requisitions initiated by the department for grant related purchases.
Review and negotiate continuing projects and amendments to existing grants, contracts, cooperative agreements.
Update the award and associated project budget in the financial system in tandem with executed amendments and advanced spending forms.
Works with the Primary Investigator and administrators to ensure appropriate close out of projects in accordance with the sponsor and university closeout guidelines and requirements.
Process budget changes, extensions, and closeout procedures during and throughout the life of an award or subaward.
Serve as a resource to the ATU constituents regarding interpretation of guidelines and agency requirements.
Assists and advises Primary Investigator's (PIs) as needed to manage the post-award or contract.
Assists management in the preparation of ad-hoc reports.
Participates in special projects such as: development and presentation of training workshops, updating/ drafting procedure manuals and report development.
Normally receives no instructions on routine work and general instructions on new assignments with review of completed tasks.
Other duties and functions as assigned, including project and committee work.
Prepares the annual FISAP Report and Single Audit A-133.
Assists the Controller's office with auditor requests and processes.
Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to project and committee work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Two years of experience in higher education and fund accounting OR, any equivalent combination of experience in research administration.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans.
Ability to utilize strong cross unit knowledge and understand to overcome issues to achieve results.
Ability to prepare detailed documents reports, and/or related materials.
Provides analysis of data for identification of trends.
Ability to work both independently or within a complex structured team.
Exercises judgment within generally defined practices & policies in selecting methods & techniques for obtaining solutions.
Provides solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.
Ability to review contracts and legal documents and negotiate to an acceptable resolution.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Experience with compliance and successful project management.
A strong work ethic with the desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
A strong aptitude for and a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with faculty, staff, partners, and stakeholders.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in business, accounting, economics, finance or related field plus two years' experience in accounting, finance, program planning, grant administration or related field.
Or an Associate’s degree in business, accounting, economics, finance or related field plus 4 years' experience in accounting, finance, program planning, grant administration or related field. Their job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements upon approval of the qualifications review committee.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in business, accounting, economics, finance or related field.
Two years of experience in restricted fund accounting.
Working knowledge of Ellucian Banner
Working knowledge of Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS or the Yellow Book)
Working knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (formerly OMB Circulars A-110, A-130, and A-21).
Work Location, Environment, and Physical Demands:
In an office environment, ability to sit or stand using a computer with multiple screens for 8 hours
Ability to multi-task and take direction in prioritizing tasks
Ability to answer multi-line telephone, take messages, and transfer calls
Ability to navigate around campus and campus buildings to attend meetings, including days involving inclement weather.
What to Submit:
Cover Letter
Resume
Four professional references
To be considered for the position of Grants & Contracts Accountant, all applications must be received and processed through our applicant tracking system Cornerstone prior to the closing date on March 23, 2024, before 6:00 pm central time.
Please go to https://atu.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=1&c=atu to apply now.
This position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Arkansas Tech University is an AA/EOE employer committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.