Grant Accountant

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

8d•$59,300 - $67,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is seeking a Grant Accountant to serve as a subject matter expert in sponsored programs accounting and financial operations. This role involves leading or assisting with campus-wide financial administration initiatives, ensuring compliance with sponsored programs rules and regulations. The Grant Accountant will analyze, interpret, and process complex extramural award actions, manage financial data within the Workday ERP system, and audit financial transactions. This position is part of the Division of Research/Office of Sponsored Programs, which supports UWM's mission as a top-tier research university.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
Two years of accounting experience may be substituted if bachelor’s degree is not in a related field.
Minimum of one year accounting experience.
Evidence of possessing the understanding of generally accepted accounting principles.
Working knowledge of “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).”
Broad understanding of complex State, UWSA, and UWM policies and procedures, rules and regulations that govern fiscal activities at the University.
Evidence of experience with, or knowledge of online financial systems.
Evidence of University of Wisconsin accounting system knowledge.
Experience with budgets and budget monitoring.
Evidence of strong customer service skills.
Evidence of highly developed problem-solving abilities.
Evidence of strong analytical skills.
Familiarity with and electronic workflow environment.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated post-award research administration experience.
Clear evidence of the ability to work independently, manage complex award portfolios, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Serve as subject matter expert to leadership, staff, and institutional stakeholders regarding sponsored programs accounting and financial operations, policies, and procedures.
Lead or assist with the implementation of campus-wide financial administration initiatives, process improvements, programs, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable sponsored programs rules and regulations.
Analyze, interpret, and process complex extramural award actions to ensure financial requirements per federal, state, university, and sponsor regulations are followed on behalf of the institution.
Lead and execute the development, organization, preparation, and updating of complex financial data, journals, accounts, ledgers, reconciliations, reports, and invoices for various financial needs within the enterprise resource planning (ERP) financial system for sponsored programs.
Audit and approve financial transactions such as subaward invoices, PI transfers, refunds, payments, cost transfers and fiscal closeout of awards and projects.
Maintain Sponsored Programs automated financial systems, and develop and document controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
Provide management and oversight of sponsored program financial administration.
Prepare and submit complex reconciliations, reports, and invoices.
Collaborate with campus representatives to monitor, analyze, and reconcile financial data for sponsored programs.
Interact directly with project sponsors related to financial reporting, invoicing, payments, and audits on behalf of the University to ensure compliance.
Oversee aspects of campus-wide post award initiatives as a subject matter expert and deliver training to others.
Lead team in manager's absence.
Coordinate the University's extramural support operations.
Interpret and analyze financial data.
Adhere to policies and procedures that document extramural support financial system operations.
Establish and maintain financial records, journals, ledgers, and other records within the Workday ERP system.
Produce various and specialized reports.
Oversee the allocation of revenues and expenses among funds.
Establish, follow, and ensure internal control mechanisms.
Advise University management (i.e., Faculty, Dean's Offices, Business Managers, and their staffs) on extramural support policies and procedures.
Prepare and deliver extramural support training materials and documentation.
Verify automated system integrity.
Determine compliance with accounting standards.
Determine cost allocation and methodologies.
Decide which of several policies, regulations, or procedures apply to a situation.
Perform agency internal and external reconciliation.
Establish and maintain records and reports according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Develop and maintain grantor agency relationships.
Advise University management on extramural accounting operations.
Audit, review, and approve financial transactions including subaward invoices, cost transfers, refunds, payments, and award closeouts.
Analyze expenditures for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and compliance with approved budgets and sponsor guidelines.
Reconcile departmental accounting records to institutional systems and approved award budgets.
Verify automated cost allocations (e.g., indirect costs and fringe benefits) for accuracy and compliance.
Coordinate corrective and adjusting entries with departmental staff and review entries for appropriateness.
Interpret award documents, budgets, and sponsor regulations to ensure adherence to fiscal requirements.
Establish and maintain financial systems and procedures for tracking reporting and invoicing deadlines.
Maintain supplemental records related to cost sharing, fixed assets, budget restrictions, and special award conditions.
Initiate, review, and record accounting entries, including award closeout transactions.
Create and manage subaccounts for complex or interdisciplinary awards.
Review RAMP records and related documentation for accuracy and compliance for approval of created and modified Workday records.
Prepare and submit accurate financial reports, invoices, and statements in accordance with sponsor requirements and GAAP.
Perform monthly drawdown in accordance with sponsor requirements.
Develop sponsor-compliant financial report and invoice formats when none are provided.
Prepare annual and final financial reports, invoices, statements, and supporting schedules.
Draft and coordinate correspondence related to financial submissions.
Obtain required certifications, signatures, and supporting documentation prior to submission.
Ensure timely submission of all required materials, including refunds when applicable.
Coordinate payments as required.
Monitor timely receipt of sponsor payments and follow up on delinquent accounts.
Reconcile revenue to sponsor records and audit documentation.
Determine and process remission of unspent balances when required.
Communicate with sponsors to resolve reporting, invoicing, or payment issues.
Lead and execute complex financial reconciliations, journals, ledgers, reports, and invoices within the ERP system (Workday).
Review and support process and procedures in RAMP system and with Pre-Award Team Members.
Maintain and document internal controls to ensure data integrity and system reliability.
Review and approve daily accounting activity for compliance with University, state, and sponsor regulations.
Support the coordination of award lifecycle actions including re-budgeting, no-cost extensions, and changes in principal investigator.
Support the monitoring and tracking of cost sharing and matching requirements.
Support the subaward processes including setup, financial monitoring, invoice review, and payment approval.
Support campus-wide research administration initiatives, process improvements, and system enhancements.
Serve as a subject matter expert in post-award research administration, financial compliance, and sponsored programs accounting.
Advise faculty, department administrators, and leadership on sponsor regulations, University policies, and best practices in research administration.
Provide training and guidance on interpreting financial and operational data related to sponsored programs.
Develop and deliver training materials focused on both research administration processes and financial management.
Maintain current knowledge of sponsor regulations including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), FAR, CAS, and GAAP.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with funding agencies, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
Assist with sponsor site visits, internal reviews, and external audits.
Prepare audit documentation and ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
Respond to audit inquiries and support resolution of findings.
Participate in special projects related to research administration, financial compliance, system implementation, or process improvement.
Contribute to institutional initiatives that enhance post-award operations and service delivery.