Staff Accountant - University of Rochester
Rochester, NY
About the Job
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Responsible for the financial management, accounting, and reporting systems for institutional and research accounts for the Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology. Conducts detailed analysis of accounts, including account history, costs, forecasts, and the drivers of each. Provides accurate and up-to-date financial information to support successful financial management of these accounts. Utilizes knowledge of the University accounting procedures and funding agency policies to provide proper review and control over all activities that impact the financial records. Works closely with Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology Faculty, Administrator II, and Administrative Assistant.
**SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:**
+ Performs high level, in-depth analyses and reconciliation of accounts, including monthly trend analysis of salary and non-salary expenses, utilizing UR Financials, COGNOS, URGEMS, HRMS, and other tools. Reviews monthly accounting reports and monitors accounts for appropriateness of charges. Meets quarterly, at a minimum, with faculty and reviews their current spending and forecast projections based on spending trends and obtains Principal Investigator’s (PI) signatures post review.
+ Performs analysis and tests necessary to ascertain integrity of accounting data, account balances and to assure accurate reporting. Develops process improvement and corrective action plans. Develops and recommends policies and procedures for accounting systems and financial reporting.
+ Manages center purchasing program. Responsible for purchasing office supplies, computer orders, and assisting with complex, non-routine lab orders. Maintains supplies in copy room, glass/dish room, dry ice supply, central liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide supply. Manages vivarium billing, including pulling bills, requesting cage card reports, and working with lab staff on changing cage cards. Processes requests for payment (SIR), electronic funds transfers and travel reimbursements. Ensures completion of EFT banking information confirmation calls. As departmental p-card manager, works with department personnel to ensure appropriate practices for departmental p-cards and that appropriate accounts are charged for items purchased. Review, analyze and make recommendations regarding p-card transactions on a semi-monthly basis: verifying account information, no sales tax, the purchase meets p-card guidelines. Leads p-card audits when scheduled.
+ Runs reports to identify expiring awards in the near future and work with divisions as needed on grant close outs and works with the Office of Research Accounting and Costing Standards (ORACS) to prepare timely close outs of accounts. Identifies any errors and follows through to be sure they are corrected accurately and on time.
+ Maintains and ensures the accuracy of a shadow system (URGEMS or other excel based system). Includes setting up accounts utilizing notice of awards (ORPA/IORA) and identifying any discrepancies between notice of grant award and sponsor agreement and reviewing and tracking all expenses (salary and non-salary). Ensures accuracy of encumbrance system and data entry (through oversight and audit) as well as resolves errors. Prepares a variety of statements and accounting reports in order to analyze spending categories, ensuring accuracy, reasonableness and adherence to agency guidelines
+ Conducts informational meetings for new faculty and lab mangers on Departmental accounting procedures as well as UR accounting procedures. Educates staff on the proper completion of finance forms, new finance policies and procedures. Prepares instruction for changes in accounting systems (e.g. contributes to the creation of user guides, etc.); interprets accounting systems data output to the Finance Department staff; provides consultative service to Faculty, trains academic and administrative staff in accounting matters related to their respective areas, and advises and interprets accounting and budgeting relationships for them.
+ Attends post-award related user groups and administrative meetings, such as URGEMS user group, and Research Administration and Research Accounting (RARA) meetings. Participates in special purpose meetings, such as audits, meetings with central administrative departments, etc. Attends CLASP certification training program and maintain certification.
Other duties as assigned
**REQUIREMENTS:**
+ Bachelor’s degree (Accounting or related field preferred) required.
+ One year of professional accounting experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required
+ Ability to take responsibility for multiple accounts in a complex granting structure and show initiative in making suggestions and decisions.
+ Proficiency with spreadsheet analysis and ability to quickly learn new systems, programs, and / or software.
+ Knowledge of institutional and funding agencies policies and procedures related to sponsored programs accounting, University purchasing processes, accounts payable processes, UR Financials, URGEMS and payroll and human resources are preferred.
+ Ability to work independently, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, detail-oriented, and ability to work well in a team environment.
+ CLASP training will be required.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
**Pay Range**
Pay Range: $22.02 - $30.82 Hourly
_The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations._
**Location:** School of Medicine & Dentistry
**Full/Part Time:** Full-Time
**Opening:** Full Time 40 hours Grade 051 Ctr Vaccine Biology & Immuno
**Schedule:** 8 AM-4:30 PM
Source : University of Rochester