Sponsored Projects Accountant

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: about 1 month ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 25 Mar 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Office of Sponsored Programs-621100
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 03/11/2024
Application Deadline 03/25/2024
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Sponsored Projects Accountant
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20038199
Vacancy ID NF0007927
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $63,440 - $70,611
Proposed Start Date 05/13/2024

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 Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with the research community to support and advance the University’s research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSR facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSR is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSP provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.
 
There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Programs, which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards (CAS).
 
OSP serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSP’s centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.
Position Summary
This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Sponsored Projects Accountant will be responsible for timely and accurate preparation and examination of a variety of financial reports or invoicing for submission to external sponsors that provide funding via contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements. These submissions must be in accordance with the terms and conditions of each award. This position will also assist managers with closeout of projects, prepare and submit journal entries and other forms to post financial data, and provide assistance to University personnel and to sponsoring agencies.
Duties will include:
* Overseeing the billing of the University’s sponsored funds.
* Submitting accurate, complete reports & invoices in an efficient, timely manner to various agencies and organizations.
* Understanding, interpreting, and applying rules, regulations, and procedures applicable to the processing of financial data, maintenance of financial records, preparation of fiscal reports, and management of funds.
* Interpreting UNC and sponsor regulations and guidelines for fiscal award management and partnering with departments to manage their sponsored funding.
* Maintaining current working knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor policies, and UNC policies.
The selected candidate for this position must have very strong analytical abilities due to the complexity of financial reports and invoices that will be assigned to this position. Anything less than 100% accuracy has the potential to negatively impact future funding, expose the institution to financial risk, and adversely affect UNC’s prestigious reputation. Errors resulting in failure to exercise required accuracy would have a grave financial impact and ultimately would erode the credibility of the Office of Sponsored Programs as well as cause irreparable harm to the University.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Mid-career with Masters and 1-2 yrs experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 yrs experience
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The selected candidate must demonstrate the following: 
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact effectively with individuals of all levels of an organization.
* Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
* Ability to perform work with a high degree of autonomy, accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness 
* Effective communication, organization, planning, and financial analysis skills.
* Strong fiscal/accounting skills, including experience with and knowledge of finance, general accounting practices, business management, fund accounting, audit trails, and use of cost-centers.
* Ability to organize and analyze data with attention to detail under pressured deadlines.
* Ability to use advanced techniques in Excel spreadsheets.
* Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and applications, including general ledger, report writing applications, and general software applications.
* Experience interpreting, analyzing, and identifying spending patterns, formatting special financial reports, and communicating budgetary information using complex data, rules, regulations, and resource materials.
* Excellent mathematical skills, including the ability to perform complex calculations and to prepare, develop and analyze expenditure reports, data projections, and billings for consistency, allocability, and accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* Experience in a university sponsored programs or grant accounting office, post-award administrative setting.
* In-depth knowledge of federal and non-federal agency requirements and regulations for sponsored research.
* Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures regulating the administration of sponsored projects.
* Knowledge of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniformed Guidance Circular 200 and A-133 and federal funding agency award administration policies.
* Experience with PeopleSoft or similar financial system.
* Ability to use database, web authoring, and/or presentation software.
* Ability to research, identify, and implement software applications to increase productivity (such as AutoHotkey).
* Certified Research Administrator credentials.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/276275

Posting Contact Information


Department Contact Name and Title Dzenita S Blackwell | Sr Sponsored Project Accounting Manager
Department Contact Telephone or Email [email protected]
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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