Accountant II

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

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The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Account Reconciliation

• Establish and reconcile sponsored research and institutional financial accounts, including unrestricted operating, gift, endowment, designated, carryforward accounts.
• Assemble ledgers and perform monthly financial reconciliations using URGEMS, UR Financials (Workday), and other University financial systems to ensure the accuracy and integrity of sponsored and institutional accounts.
• Monitor sponsored projects and departmental budgets, expenditures, payroll, encumbrances, and funding distributions to ensure appropriate stewardship of sponsored and institutional resources.
• Research and resolve financial discrepancies, prepare journal entries, process Workday financial transactions and approvals, and maintain accurate financial records and financial tracking systems in support of sound fiscal management.
• Analyze account activity and financial trends to identify opportunities for improved financial performance, operational efficiencies, and proactive financial planning. Provide recommendations to Division leadership regarding fiscal risks, budget variances, and corrective action

Financial Reporting, Analysis & Compliance

• Prepare and distribute financial reports, forecasts, and ad hoc analyses for faculty, Division leadership, and Department leadership to support strategic planning and informed financial decision-making.
• Analyze financial performance, spending trends, budget variances, and projections; identify fiscal risks and opportunities; and provide recommendations to improve financial performance and long-term planning.
• Prepare sponsor financial reports, invoices, drawdowns, and financial account closeouts, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting.
• Review and process financial transactions and University forms, including travel reimbursements, SIRs, requisitions, purchase orders, cost center billings, Vivarium charges, and other financial documents in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Review expenditures for allowability, budget availability, appropriate funding sources, and compliance with sponsor requirements, University policies, financial regulations, and internal controls governing sponsored and institutional funds.
• Support proposal budget development, sponsor progress reporting, annual financial reviews, and financial forecasting throughout the award lifecycle.
• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive financial, payroll, and personnel information.

 Payroll, Effort & Financial Planning.  

• Process and reconcile payroll cost allocations, accounting adjustments, and funding distributions in Workday to ensure accurate allocation of salary expenses across sponsored and institutional accounts.
• Monitor payroll allocations, effort commitments, salary distributions, and cost sharing to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, University policies, approved budgets, and effort reporting requirements
• Review payroll reports, investigate and resolve discrepancies, implement corrective actions, and maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll-related financial records.
• Provide guidance to faculty and Division leadership on payroll funding, salary distributions, effort commitments, and related financial stewardship.
• Support salary planning, budget development, workforce financial planning, annual reporting, and financial audits related to sponsored and institutional funding.

Subcontract Management & Invoicing

• Review, process, and reconcile subaward invoices to ensure accuracy, allowability, budget availability, and compliance with sponsor and University requirements.
• Monitor subrecipient financial activity, invoice status, payment processing, and remaining balances; maintaining accurate financial records in Workday.
• Collaborate with Research Administration by providing financial oversight and supporting subaward modifications, funding amendments, no-cost extensions, and closeout activities throughout the award lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain financial tracking tools to monitor subaward expenditures, available funding, and overall financial performance

Financial Operations, Process Improvement & Professional Development

• Identify and implement process improvements, strengthen internal controls, and recommend enhancements to financial systems, workflows, reporting tools and operational processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Evaluate financial processes and recommend best practices to improve financial performance, regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship and operational excellence.
• Serve as a financial resource to faculty, Division leadership, and staff by providing guidance on sponsored and institutional funding, budgeting, financial policies, workday processes and stewardship of University resources.
• Maintain current knowledge of University financial systems, policies, sponsor requirements, regulatory changes, Workday enhancements, and industry best practices through participation in departmental, University, and professional development activities.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting and 3 years of relevant experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., NIH Uniform Guidance) and research administration practices preferred.
• Experience in and knowledge of IORA (Integrated Online Research Administration) and federal grant application platforms (e.g. ASSIST) preferred
• Proficiency in financial/accounting systems and Microsoft Excel; familiarity with URGEMS, Workday or similar platforms preferred.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple deadlines preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Continuous Learning for Administrators of Sponsored Programs (CLASP) within 1 year preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.