Research Projects Accountant

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 21 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 09 Apr 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department VC for Res-620100
Career Area Accounting/Finance/Auditing
Posting Open Date 03/19/2024
Application Deadline 04/09/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Research Projects Accountant
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20062816
Vacancy ID NF0007967
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $75,000 - $85,000
Proposed Start Date 05/01/2024

Position Information


Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) oversees, develops, supports, and grows UNC-Chapel Hill’s $1 billion research enterprise. The offices reporting to the OVCR set strategic priorities for research, manage proposals and awards, provide research infrastructure, identify funding opportunities, develop research teams and partnerships, oversee regulatory compliance, and communicate the impact and value of the University’s research enterprise. The OVCR enables research endeavors for faculty, students, and scholars; encourages interdisciplinary research collaboration across campus; and fosters expansion and diversification of the University’s sponsored research portfolio by collaborating with foundations, federal agencies, corporations, and the state and federal governments. The Vice Chancellor for Research also oversees multiple pan-University, multidisciplinary research centers and institutes.
Position Summary
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) oversees, develops, and supports UNC’s $1.2 billion research enterprise. It sets strategic priorities for research, manages proposals and awards, provides research infrastructure, identifies funding opportunities, develops research teams and partnerships, oversees regulatory compliance, science, security, and ethics. The OVCR regularly identifies and/or develops research tools to better support the research enterprise and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and internal University laws, policies, and procedures. As such, the OVCR has identified new platforms to support participant payments. The Research Projects Accountant will oversee these platforms to support research and clinical trial participant payments. In cooperation with the Vice Chancellor for Research, Office of Sponsored Programs, and Finance and Operations, this position will be responsible for determining if/when new solutions may be necessary and will act as the primary administrative lead in the transition from existing platforms and the implementation of new ones. 
Currently, the University uses several methods to pay study subjects that include cash advances, imprest checking accounts, vouchers, and the Tango Card platform which replaced the previous Bank of America Prepaid Card Program that ended in May of 2023. The Tango Card platform was rolled out to campus in Spring of 2023 and during that time has made over $2.5 million in payments to over 12,000 study subjects with approximately 500 active users in the platform. The Tango Card platform primarily serves study subjects with an email address who can receive electronic payments via email. The platform also has the ability to send one time use prepaid cards. UNC has begun the process to implement the Greenphire ClinCard platform to make reloadable prepaid cards available to study subjects. Tango and Greenphire are two of the leading providers of financial solutions for clinical trial and research participant incentive payment systems and they will be instrumental in supporting and growing research at the University. Based on historical volume, we expect these platforms to disburse in excess of $4 million a year to tens of thousands of study subjects to support campus-wide research and clinical trial participant incentives in these platforms. 
The Research Projects Accountant will assume primary responsibility for managing and overseeing internally funded research disbursements and the reconciliation of study subject payments and reimbursements. This position will also assist with the Greenphire ClinCard implementation and campus testing, lead ongoing campus training and communications, and will serve as the first line of internal controls to ensure compliance and minimize fraudulent activities.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Mid- to late-career with Masters and 2- 4 yrs experience; Bachelors and 3-5 yrs experience
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Candidate will have thorough knowledge of accounting principles and practices. Must have experience understanding and applying accounting standards, financial procedures, audit and internal control practices, and processes from initiation to completion.
The selected candidate will have excellent analytic and organizational skills, oral and written communication skills, the ability to manage priorities and multiple deadlines effectively, and analyze/document key issues. Ability to interact with both internal and external customers across various organizational levels. Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills are a must. Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Previous experience working with University financial systems such as PeopleSoft or Banner or other enterprise resource planning software as well as previous accounting work in higher education with intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Excel and Word, Adobe Acrobat, and experience with the Greenphire and/or Tango Card payment platforms, and Data Warehouse is preferred.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/276743

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title
Department Contact Telephone or Email
Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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