Accounting Specialist IV

Description of Job Duty:

Performs full-cycle budget support, monitoring, and compliance for all federal, state, private, and local grants. This position also serves as an assistant to the Director of Grant Accounting and backup to the Grant Accountant.

Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

Essential Functions:

Prepare and review SEFA / SIS reports, as well as various federal, state and other agency reports and surveys as requested. Prepare financial statements monthly and/or quarterly in compliance with grantor specifications, and invoice grantors within 30-days of month end close. Ensure invoices are submitted as required via mail, e-mail, or via agency-approved electronic drawdown systems. Monitor Accounts Receivable aging for assigned projects. Assist with annual year-end closing and audit processes. This includes review of all grant and contract accounts as well as working closely with auditors to provide documentation and analysis in response to requests for financial information. Serve as assistant to Director of Grant Accounting; primary point of contact for Principal Investigators and grant analysts on compliance issues, financial issues and project management; and perform special projects as assigned. Assists with Grant Accounting finance system issues. Attend external agency meetings as required. Completes vendor registrations and certifications. Maintain the compensation reporting process, including the distribution, collection, logging, tracking, and electronic storage and retrieval of certification forms to ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200. Resolve any discrepancies and corrections reported on compensation reports returned as certified. Follow up with faculty and grant analysts to ensure the certification reports are accurate. Prepare monthly labor distribution change forms to reflect grant personnel effort. Research Federal and State fixed asset dispositions and ensure disposal follows grant, agency, and 2 CFR 200 guidelines. Approve grant and restricted account expenditures processed via the University procurement system. Prepare journal entries as needed. Provide requested documentation for desk reviews and audits performed by sponsoring agencies. Prepare carryforwards for match and other accounts. Approve grant subcontracts. Assists in Grant Training to grant analysts. Maintain the Grant Accounting webpage.

Physical Demands:

Those typical to perform the duties listed.

Work Hours:

Typical hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Additional hours when needed.

Special Instructions:

Applicants are required to electronically upload a cover letter, resume, copy of transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire), and complete contact information for three references. References will be contacted at a later date. Submission of materials is the applicant’s responsibility. Applications without all required materials are incomplete and will not be considered.

Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience. Level P4, Grade 14.

Benefits Information:

The University offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits include the accumulation of two vacation days per month, one sick leave day per month, and thirteen University holidays. Other benefits include medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university), retirement, optional 401k, and educational benefits.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in accounting. Seven years of related professional experience including three years of accounting/financial work experience and two years of experience in governmental fund accounting. MBA can be substituted for two years of required experience.  Knowledge of federal and state laws, accounting principles and practices. A working knowledge of Grants and/or Contracts. The ability to analyze and interpret contracts and financial statements. Experience with formulating and analyzing budgets. Knowledge, familiarity and comfort with accounting software. Competency in Microsoft Excel. Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken. Overall grasp of the University mission, and how the grant accounting function plays a role in that mission.

Preferred Qualifications:

MBA and/or CPA. Experience with Oracle software systems.