Research Accountant

*This is a Two-Year Fixed Term Position*

Stanford University is one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At Stanford University, not only are you part of an exceptional team that values innovation and education, but you also become part of a culture that brings out the best in you. Stanford is committed to fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity, collaboration, and professional growth. Our culture offers career development programs, competitive pay that reflects market trends and benefits that increase financial stability and promote healthy, fulfilling lives.
Research—the creation of new knowledge—is key to Stanford’s educational mission. Stanford research has led to breakthrough remedies, devices, tools, and concepts, and hundreds of initiatives solely for the betterment of humanity. Among the inventions and discoveries that have resulted from Stanford research are MRI technology, DNA cloning, the Pill, heart transplantation, and digital music. 

The premier function of the Office of Research Administration (ORA) is to provide an array of high-quality services and expertise to support the research mission and sponsored projects administration at Stanford University. ORA is composed of Cost and Management Analysis; Property Management Office; Research Administration Policy and Compliance; Sponsored Receivables Management; Client Advocacy and Education; Organizational Insights; and the Office of Sponsored Research.  ORA also provides oversight for the Stanford Electronic Research Administration (SeRA), eCertification, Clinical Research Invoicing System for Participants (CRISP), Electronic PI Lab Use Survey (ePLUS) systems. ORA manages the administrative processes related to a broad spectrum of research related agreements as well as the entire lifecycle of sponsored research from proposal submission and award negotiation through financial reporting and award closeout. ORA submits over 5,000 new proposals annually and manages more than 7,500 active sponsored projects with a total research budget approaching $2 billion.

This position may be considered for domestic (US) remote work.

JOB PURPOSE:
As a member of the Office of Research Administration, Research Accountant will be a part of the Sponsored Receivables Management (SRM) team and responsible for financial collections of outstanding receivables and payment applications. The Research Accountant will use the financial systems to ensure that the accounting administration is operating in an efficient and optimal manner in conjunction with the University policies, business processes and other University systems. The Research Accountant will report to the Director and will be trained by the Team Leads. This position will work closely with other team members, including Receipts, Collections, various departments, and funders/sponsors.

CORE DUTIES*:

• Review and interpret legal documents for financial terms and conditions including but not limited to billing requirements, reporting, and spending restrictions.
• Research and review payments received and apply payments in the financial systems.
• Review aging reports and follow up on the outstanding receivables balances by calling and/or corresponding via email to discover reasons for delay or rejection of payment.
• Work collaboratively with Institutional Representatives, Department Financial Administrators, Billing, Receipts, and Collection Accountants to facilitate the timely and correct application of funds to the correct awards and compliance with funder/sponsor requirements and university policies.
• Work closely with research accountants during the final award/project closeout to ensure that the payments for outstanding receivables have been applied timely and accurately.
• Review account reports and ensure the timely payment applications.
• Assist with payment applications.
• Respond to collection status inquiries and recommend write‐off actions.
• Actively participate in testing of new systems and process improvement and provide feedback.
• * Other duties may also be assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:
Four year college degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of contract and grant procedures and ability to apply accounting practices.
• Strong knowledge of principles, concepts, and theories of accounting.
• Thorough understanding of key attributes in Oracle or similar Accounting System and its impact on reporting, billing, and recovering costs.
• Knowledge of Stanford research administration processes particularly post award research administration.*
• Experienced with OMB Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standard (CAS), GAAP.
• Strong working knowledge of Excel.
• Experienced with Oracle and/or Stanford systems.*
• Ability to independently diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze accounting transactions and ability to reconcile financial information.
• Strong customer service skills. Work collaboratively with colleagues and clients.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with departments, various process partners in the university, and within the organization up/down/side levels.
• Act and behave in a constructive manner. Be positive. Set a good example for other staff.
• Extremely detail oriented, able to work well independently and knows when to escalate or seek assistance.
• Ability to perform with a high degree of accuracy under tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks.
• *Preferred but not required

Certifications and Licenses:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
• Occasionally use a telephone, stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May have occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu .

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures .The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate. 

The expected pay range for this position is $60,000 to $92,000 per annum for remote positions.

The expected pay range for this position is $83,000 to $96,000 per annum for on-site/hybrid positions.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or course auditing. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at [email protected] . For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form .

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.