Grants Accountant

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

2d • $55,700 - $72,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Grants Accountant within The Ohio State University’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) supports the financial management and compliance functions of university-wide sponsored research. Under the direction of the Associate Manager, this position ensures that sponsored project activity complies with relevant regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policy. The role serves as a resource for campus partners seeking guidance on transactional and compliance‑related matters. Core responsibilities include preparing and reviewing financial transactions and cost transfers, such as journals, accounting adjustments, and payroll accounting adjustments (PAAs). The Grants Accountant evaluates these transactions for allowability, proper documentation, alignment with sponsor terms, and accuracy in reflecting project activity. The role also performs general ledger reconciliations for accounts tied to sponsored awards and escalates complex or unusual cases as needed. This position provides operational support for Greenphire Patient Payments (ClinCard) by assisting with card orders and distribution, processing study modifications, and responding to questions from study teams about program functionality and expectations. The Grants Accountant is also responsible for recording and monitoring third‑party cost share, ensuring contributions are properly documented, valued, and tracked in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional standards. Additional responsibilities include handling inquiries submitted to the department’s shared inbox and assisting senior staff with broader departmental initiatives that support compliance, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement. This position provides a strong foundation for developing a comprehensive knowledge base in grants accounting and sponsored program administration.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of relevant experience required.
• Proficiency in the use of excel spreadsheets and all standard office software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with grants accounting/processes.
• Knowledge of university and the Office of Sponsored Program policies, rules, regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and customer service orientation.
• Proven ability to provide a professional environment with all levels of customers inside and outside the university.

Responsibilities

• Preparing and reviewing financial transactions and cost transfers, such as journals, accounting adjustments, and payroll accounting adjustments (PAAs).
• Evaluating transactions for allowability, proper documentation, alignment with sponsor terms, and accuracy in reflecting project activity.
• Performing general ledger reconciliations for accounts tied to sponsored awards.
• Providing operational support for Greenphire Patient Payments (ClinCard) by assisting with card orders and distribution, processing study modifications, and responding to questions from study teams about program functionality and expectations.
• Recording and monitoring third‑party cost share, ensuring contributions are properly documented, valued, and tracked in accordance with applicable regulations and institutional standards.
• Handling inquiries submitted to the department’s shared inbox.
• Assisting senior staff with broader departmental initiatives that support compliance, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level