Post-Award Accountant

Overview

Job Summary:
The University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH) is one of the oldest and highest-ranked family medicine departments in the nation. We are deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of the people of Wisconsin and the nation – a goal fundamentally linked to the mission of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

To support our growing research enterprise, we are seeking a highly motivated Post-Award Accountant to join our team. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) and their research teams, providing essential financial management, budgeting, and compliance support for an expanding portfolio of externally funded research projects. Reporting to the Post-Award Financial Manager, the incumbent will play a pivotal role in ensuring the fiscal integrity of these projects, from award setup through project closeout.

Our department offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, valuing teamwork, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. This position presents an exciting opportunity for a finance professional interested in contributing to impactful research in a dynamic, mission-driven setting.

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Responsibilities:
Works directly with principal investigator and research staff to budget, monitor expenditures, and reconcile financial data for sponsored programs. May directly process and/or approve accounting transactions such as cost transfers, procurement, sub award management, and financial processing related to sponsored project management. May review and approve transactions on behalf of an intermediate unit or center.

30% Assists principal investigators with financial management of sponsored program budgets and directs day-to-day fiscal transactions
35% Prepares and processes financial reporting and/or invoicing information
10% Provides expertise and advice related to procurement and allowable charges
10% Reviews financial expenditures for accuracy on sponsored grants and contracts
15% Provides expertise and advice related to payroll cost allocation, effort allocation, and allowable charges

Education:
Required
Associate’s Degree

Preferred
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

Qualifications:
Required Experience:
– At least 3 years of post-award financial management, governmental accounting, or audit experience.

Preferred Experience:
– Previous experience in post-award accounting at a medical school or a large research-intensive (R-1) university.
– Previous experience in performing audits of government agencies, public universities, or other recipients of federal research funds.
– Familiarity with federal funding agencies (e.g., National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF)) and experience managing multi-year, multi-million dollar research grants.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Technical Skills:
– Proficiency in financial management systems (such as Oracle, Workday, or other ERP systems commonly used in higher education).
– Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel for budgeting and financial reporting purposes.

Knowledge of Compliance:
– Strong understanding of federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, NIH guidelines) and sponsor-specific policies related to grant management.
– Demonstrated ability to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal policies regarding research expenditures, effort reporting, and cost allocation.

Analytical Skills:
– Proven ability to analyze complex financial data, interpret trends, and create accurate financial reports for PIs and research teams.
– Ability to review and reconcile project financials, ensure proper grant closeout, and manage cost transfers.

Collaboration and Communication:
– Demonstrated experience working closely with faculty, research staff, and administrative colleagues to provide guidance on financial management.
– Strong interpersonal and communication skills to explain financial processes and compliance requirements to non-financial stakeholders.
– Prior experience working in a highly collaborative environment, preferably in a mission-driven or higher education setting.

Problem Solving and Initiative:
– Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in financial processes.
– Ability to identify potential issues in grant financials early and proactively address discrepancies or compliance concerns.
– Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.