Staff Accountant, Revenues and Grant Reporting

JOB SUMMARY:             

The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing post award accounting, compliance, and billing for grants and contracts, gift and pledge accounting, and other revenue and general accounting as necessary.

MAJOR DUTIES:

Grant Accounting

• Set up awards and budgets in the financial system
• Perform cash drawdowns and reconcile to the financial accounting system
• Calculate cost transfers for review and enter approved transfers into financial system
• Prepare and record all necessary accounting entries (transactions and journals) related to sponsored projects and restricted funds to ensure grant and budget compliance
• Prepare and distribute invoices/billings, monitor receivables, and record payments in support of grant agreements
• Adjust and reconcile grant related balance sheet accounts (receivables and deferrals)
• Perform closeout process for completed awards
• Liaise with Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administrators regarding grant management and accounting

Gift and General Accounting

• Perform gift accounting, including: review coding of gifts received, liaise with Development department and program staff regarding gift accounting, enter Development gifts in the financial system, and reconcile financial records to Development donor database.
• Maintain working knowledge of revenue recognition policies and documentation supporting endowed and restricted revenue recognition and deferrals.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts related to gifts and monthly adjustments pertaining to gift restrictions.
• Performs duties within revenue accounting areas as needed, including revenue recognition and adjustments for faculty commitments, service center functions, and other activities when identified.
• Works collaboratively with the Accounts Receivable Specialist, including cross training of transactional tasks within the revenue accounting cycle.

 Audit

• Support financial statement audit, Uniform Guidance audit, and all other audits, generally in areas of job responsibility, including schedules and reconciliations, particularly in the areas of grants and gifts and related financial statement disclosures.
• Perform financial close-out audits of completed awards and subcontracts

Policy Review and Interpretation:

• Maintain high level knowledge and oversight of institutional financial accounting system with respect to grant accounting including treatment of program income, application of indirect cost allocations, and reconciliation of periodic billings
• Maintain understanding of federal and non-federal sponsor policies and regulations pertaining to cost allowability and allocation
• Review and understand stated terms and conditions on award notices
• Execute institutional financial policies and accounting procedures as directed
• Maintain working knowledge of institutional payroll, purchasing and payment systems

 Record Management and Reporting:

• Update and maintain grant and gift financial records as directed
• Assist in the preparation of internal reporting requirements as directed

 Other Duties:

• Serve as a resource to the MBL research community; interface with other central administrative offices and administrative matters related to sponsored programs.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of the institutional grant accounting policies and procedures handbook
• Attend professional development training opportunities as appropriate or required
• Perform all other duties as assigned

SKILLS REQUIRED:

1. Knowledge of financial accounting systems, spreadsheet functionality, and financial reporting
2. Ability to promptly develop a working knowledge of federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to grants and contracts
3. Understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and ability to apply them to operational activities
4. Ability to prepare required audit documents and respond to audit inquiries
5. Ability to integrity check and verify data
6. Self-directed in learning new procedures and methodologies, particularly around utilization of computerized systems and applications
7. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to exercise high levels on confidentiality, discretion, and good judgment
8. Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
9. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
10. Ability to work flexibly, independently and as a contributing member of a team

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy preferred.
2. New graduates with Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy are encouraged to apply.
3. Experience in post award accounting at a nonprofit or academic research institution desired, but not required.
4. Candidates with an Associate of Science degree in Accountancy and relevant accounting experience will also be considered.

LOCATION:

• On-campus/hybrid preferred. Willing to consider 100% remote for New England region experienced candidates.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

None.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires sedentary work (exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects). Worker must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach, push, pull, use fingertips, grasp, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions. Worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.