Accounting Manager: Social Work Research & Public Service - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

9d•$60,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead their Accounting Specialist team. This role involves managing the financial aspects of a diverse portfolio including sponsored programs, state-funded projects, service contracts, and internal operations. The position offers an opportunity to shape financial management, team mentorship, and process development within a growing organization. The Accounting Manager will provide hands-on leadership, training, and quality control for tasks such as procurement, travel, reimbursements, invoices, purchasing cards, and vendor setup, ensuring compliance with University and sponsor standards. Reporting to the Director of Budget, Finance & Operations (BFO), the role is crucial for maintaining accurate, timely, and audit-ready financial operations, while championing internal controls and continuous process improvement. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, solutions-driven leader who excels at problem-solving and managing competing priorities. This is a grant-funded position contingent upon continued grant funding.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field; or in lieu of a degree, an additional four years of combined education, training and/or experience will be accepted.
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, procurement, business administration, sponsored-program support, or related administrative work.
Experience with financial transactions, policies and procedures as well as in providing direction and support to staff.
Knowledge of accounting transactions and functions.
Skill in leading accounting or administrative staff.
Skills in communication and organization.
Ability to work independently and take ownership of problems and processes.
Ability to develop and maintain procedures, training and internal controls.
Ability to use Microsoft Office, Excel, financial systems, and related business applications.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of progressively responsible accounting, finance, procurement, sponsored-program support, business operations, or related administrative experience.
Experience with supervising staff.
Experience working in higher education specifically University of Tennessee, nonprofit, government or sponsored programs.
Experience developing procedures, training materials, reports, reconciliation tools, workflow improvements, or internal controls.
Knowledge of higher education (especially the University of Tennessee), sponsored programs, research administration, public service, nonprofit, or complex grant-funded financial operations.
Skill in Excel, DASH or other ERP systems, reporting tools, or process documentation.
Ability to lead process improvement and develop staff training.

Responsibilities

Supervise the Accounting Specialist team — coordinating workloads, training, coaching, performance evaluations, and scheduling.
Set and maintain team procedures, checklists, and training materials to ensure consistent, high-quality workflows.
Oversee financial processing for procurement, invoices, vendor setup, purchasing cards, travel, reimbursements, transfers, petty cash, gift cards, and assistance payments.
Review financial transactions for proper documentation, approvals, coding, sponsor compliance, and University policy.
Monitor team performance and processing timelines, addressing errors or compliance issues proactively.
Advise Accounting Specialists and SWORPS staff on financial procedures, procurement, travel, and vendor practices.
Maintain strong internal controls over sensitive processes such as petty cash, gift cards, and individual assistance funds.
Support procurement and contract activities, including vendor coordination, budget review, and documentation.
Drive process improvements and reporting that strengthen accuracy, accountability, and audit readiness.
Partner with BFO leadership, Research Coordinators, PIs, vendors, and University offices to resolve financial and operational issues.
Assist with year-end close, audits, sponsor reporting, and other special projects as needed.