Post Award Accountant

Why Work at BYU  

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.”

 

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work.

Job Description

Accountant

What You Will Be Doing In This Position

Responsible for post-award administration of sponsored grants and contracts for an assigned group of colleges. Serves as central accounting contact for faculty and departmental support related to research project management, budget and expense analysis, invoicing, and reporting. Includes oversight of expenditures charged to sponsored projects, and advising on Federal, State, university and other agency policies and regulations as they apply to sponsored research.

Post Award Monitoring and Coordination

• Provide account management, reconciliation and complex problem resolution for principal investigators and department support personnel.
• Provide policy and procedure interpretation to academic departments and principal investigators. This requires a thorough knowledge of university policies, federal and state regulations, and the ability to interpret regulations to a diverse set of circumstances.
• Budget and expense analysis.
• Approve and process journal entries submitted by assigned colleges.
• Review and approve travel, purchase orders, Fast Track requisitions and other research expenditures.
• Develop queries and report analysis as requested.
  
  

Invoicing, Reporting and Cost Sharing

• Coordinate invoices for assigned awards according to grant/contract requirements.
• Consult with Faculty as needed for progress updates associated with fixed price or task related invoices.
• Coordinate and collect information for required Cost Sharing reporting.
• Prepare and submit Financial Reports as required by sponsor.
• Monitor past due invoices for potential default and escalate decisions to stop work, as necessary.
• Communicate with sponsors, faculty, controllers, and other department personnel on collection issues.
  
  

Training and Supervision of Students

• Supervise a team of students; assign and manage student workload including account setups, invoice preparation, financial reports, reconciliations, file maintenance, scanning, archiving, transaction audits and other duties as assigned.
• Oversee and review student work for accuracy.
• Train students in accounting and regulatory issues relevant to work assigned.
• Provide a mentoring role ensuring students have a work experience that contributes to their education.
  
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Data analysis and reporting for overspent projects. Sends reports to faculty, contacts and controllers and coordinates with them to correct overspent awards.
• Reviews, approves, and manages subawards. Coordinates with Faculty for approval of subaward invoices prior to payment disbursements. May request additional detail and perform invoice audits as necessary in cases of higher risk subawards to meet Uniform Guidance subrecipient monitoring requirements.
  
  

Award Setup & Closeout

• Review new awards to ensure award set-up accurately reflects terms and conditions of award, special conditions, and approved budget.
• Communicate with Faculty & Staff on special financial requirements of award.
• Monitor awards and coordinate final expenditures, final reporting, and timely closeout.
• Reconcile financial statements.
  
  

Training and Support

• Schedule regular campus visits with faculty, controllers, and financial assistants to provide customer service and facilitate training for increased efficiency.
• Adapt to new electronic reporting systems as implemented by sponsors (Webinar attendance or other training as needed).
• Actively participate as a member of NCURA (National Council of University Research Administrators) – Attend at least one annual conference, follow, and participate as needed in the Collaborate communities to share information with other University research administrators and keep current with new federal regulations.
  
  

Qualifications

What qualifies you for this role:

Required: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or another financial related field and 3 or more years' professional experience, or the equivalent combination of both education and experience

Preferred: Master's degree in accounting or business, 3 years financial research administration experience

Experience in a regulatory environment, Kuali Research and Workday experience

Skills, Abilities, Knowledge, Licenses, Certifications

High level of integrity and trust

Advanced Computer Skills Including MS Excel Experience

Proficiency in additional MS Office applications including Word and Outlook

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with aptitude for significant attention to detail

Ability to understand and analyze financial reports and process documents with a high degree of accuracy

What We Offer In Return

In addition to our competitive pay structure, this position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Excellent work-life balance: 13 paid holidays 22 days paid vacation 12 sick days, accrued annually
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible family members
• Access to athletic facilities
• Excellent medical/dental benefits
• Short/long-term disability benefits
• Paid parental and maternity leave
• Wellness Program
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU
  
  

Pay Level: 53

Compensation Range

Actual compensation based on education and experience

$70,908.00 - $92,088.50

Required Documents

All staff positions require a resume with an optional cover letter.

Refer to the Job Description for any additional required documents.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!