Sr. Accountant

University of Rochester•City of Rochester, NY

5d•$61,000 - $85,400•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Senior Research Financial Administrator, the Senior Accountant ensures the accuracy, integrity, and appropriate accounting treatment of financial activity for the Division of Supportive Care in Cancer. The role supports a complex portfolio of federal, foundation, and industry-sponsored grants and contracts; clinical research studies and trials; and departmental, institutional, gift, and operating accounts. The position performs advanced accounting and financial analysis, including complex account reconciliations, financial reporting, forecasting, budget monitoring, and accounting transactions for the Division, CCPL, and PEAK Labs. It monitors expenditures, revenue, commitments, and participant payment activity to support accurate financial reporting and compliance with University and sponsor requirements. The role also administers and reconciles clinical research participant payments through Advarra for multi-site and single-center trials, maintaining accurate documentation and audit readiness. The Senior Accountant provides specialized accounting guidance to investigators, administrators, and research staff; interprets University and sponsor financial requirements; recommends accounting procedures and internal controls; and identifies opportunities to improve financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and reporting across complex research programs. The Division of Supportive Care in Cancer is part of the Department of Surgery and has offices in the Saunders Research Building. The position requires an on-site presence during standard business hours, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional work outside these hours may be required to meet operational needs and deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent, and 5 years of professional accounting experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
On-site presence during standard business hours, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; occasional work outside these hours may be required.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Thorough knowledge of grant and contract administration, including federal regulations and compliance requirements, and general accounting best practices.
Knowledge of finance, analytical capabilities, and good interpersonal skills.
Sound customer service skills and ability to interact with all members of the campus community.
Understanding of University financial and human resource platforms.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Responsibilities

Review complex financial data, identify discrepancies and trends, determine appropriate accounting treatment, and initiate or coordinate corrective action.
Perform analyses and tests to verify accounting data integrity, account balances, and the timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting.
Review daily transaction-error reports, address errors, and recommend corrective measures for recurring process or system deficiencies.
Analyze study participant payment activity for compliance with approved budgets, schedules, sponsor requirements, and University policies.
Prepare and review complex accounting transactions, including journal entries, cost transfers, sponsor payment activity, account corrections, and financial adjustments.
Develop and maintain systems for tracking revenue, expenditures, commitments, and encumbrances; monitor sponsor payments and follow up on unusual or outstanding activity.
Administer and process study participant payments through Advarra for multi-site and single-center clinical trials; review requests and documentation, monitor payments, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate records.
Perform cost analyses to determine appropriate expense allocation or redistribution and support recovery of sponsored-program costs.
Calculate applicable Department of Surgery clinical trial assessments in collaboration with Research Administration and verify accounting treatment.
Perform monthly reconciliations of sponsored research accounts, including subcontracts, and assigned clinical trial, operating, gift, and other research-related accounts.
Ensure financial data for Supportive Care in Cancer research grants and clinical trials is accurate, complete, and reliable.
Coordinate with ORACS and other University offices on account corrections, financial reporting, sponsored-project closeout, and complex grant and clinical trial accounting matters.
Reconcile Advarra participant payment activity to study documentation and University financial systems, ensuring payments are accurately recorded and charged to the benefiting project.
Develop and maintain financial reporting tools showing account status, expenditures, commitments, projections, and anticipated financial outcomes.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial reports; analyze trends and project activity to support budgeting and financial planning.
Support research operating budget development and monitoring, and prepare information for consolidated Department budgets and reports.
Prepare sponsor financial information and assist faculty and administrators with financial components of interim and final award reporting.
Review personnel expenses on research accounts and recommend salary distributions based on funding, award terms, and anticipated funding changes.
Coordinate salary allocation adjustments with faculty and administrators, and prepare, route, and monitor personnel transactions for approved salary and funding changes.
Review and allocate staff effort associated with industry-sponsored clinical trials in accordance with institutional policies and award terms.
Recommend and maintain accounting controls, procedures, and monitoring activities to ensure financial integrity and reduce transaction risk.
Identify financial and accounting risks and recommend process improvements that strengthen controls, efficiency, and compliance.
Interpret University accounting and financial policies, communicate requirements, and recommend how policies apply to complex or unusual transactions.
Maintain financial documentation in accordance with University record-retention requirements, sponsor requirements, and Department of Surgery guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.