Accountant II

Accounting Specialist

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.

Job Location : 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening : Regular

Time Type : Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours : 40

Department : 400023 Microbiology Administration

Work Shift : UR - Day (United States of America)

Range : UR URG 109 H

Compensation Range : $26.90 - $37.66

Responsibilities

Performs professional accounting work with responsibility in one or more areas of the University accounting system such as financial reporting, cost analysis and distribution, classification of accounts and funds, study of accounting systems and sponsored programs accounting. (Concentration on type and intensity of work performed varies according to functional areas integrally related to supervisory responsibilities).

General Purpose : Responsible for the financial management, accounting, and reporting systems for institutional and research accounts for a large basic science department. Conducts detailed analysis of accounts, including account history, forecasts, and the drivers of each. Provides accurate and up-to-date financial information to support successful financial management of these accounts. Utilizes knowledge of the University accounting procedures and funding agency policies to provide proper review and control over all activities that impact the financial records. Prepares grant applications and budgets.

Responsibilities

Analyze and monitor financial management of grant and institutional accounts ensuring accurate and complete information. Work with Staff Accountant and the Assistant Director of Research Operations on the completion and analysis of all monthly financial reports, ensuring accurate and complete information. Performs high level, in-depth analyses of accounts, including monthly trend analysis of salary and non-salary expenses, utilizing UR Financials, URGEMS, myURHR, and other tools. Review monthly accounting reports with Principal Investigators (PIs) and Assistant Director of Research Operations. Monitor accounts for appropriateness of charges. Manage department T32 grant and NIH predoctoral fellowships. Work with trainees and PIs of the T32s to monitor yearly expenses, appointments and termination of trainees, and progress reports.

Make accurate projections for year-end close outs and work with ORACS to prepare timely close outs of accounts. Identify any errors and follow through to be sure they are corrected accurately and on time. Ensure back up for all charges is received. Performs analysis and tests necessary to ascertain integrity of accounting data, account balances and to assure accurate reporting. Assists in developing process improvement and corrective action plans. Make recommendations for cost saving initiatives. Following University and sponsored programs policies, work with ORPA to set up and manage subcontracts with external parties. Monitor invoices sent and payments received.

Manage complex effort allocations and forecast changes to available salary funding, notifying Assistant Director of Research Operations of any anticipated shortfalls. Ensure the completion of faculty Time and Effort surveys and annual Cost Sharing Certification. Prepares PAF and 800 forms, including salary cap forms, and enters changes into URGEMS. Ensures accurate and appropriate reporting of time and labor processing.

Uses knowledge and application of accounting theory, techniques, and practices to prepare special reports, projects and analyses as requested by the Assistant Director of Research Operations and Chair. Serves as a contact for Microbiology and Immunology faculty, trainees, and staff, outside funding agencies, subcontracting agencies, and liaison to University Payroll, Finance, Purchasing, ORPA, and ORACS offices. Attend URGEMS and UR Financial institutional meetings to remain current on changes or issues related to this responsibility. Consults with internal and external auditors on matters such as definition and classification of accounts, accounting activity in educational and research programs and other technical aspects of the University accounting system.

Provides high-level management as departmental PCard Program Manager, and advises cardholders on all related matters, including appropriate card usage, documentation standards, reconciliation processes, etc. Reviews and has final approval on all Pcard orders placed by departmental cardholders. Resolves issues with vendors when necessary. Department Liaison to University Pcard Program Administrator, ensuring all department cardholders remain in good standing and are abreast of any program changes.

Serve as the departmental liaison for international services. Responsible for oversight and maintenance of faculty and postdoctoral visa matters. Counsel incoming faculty, postdocs, visiting scholars and students on INS rules and regulations, and assist them in the process of acquiring J1, H1B or permanent residency status. Maintain records on yearly international travel of department members.

Monitor and maintain postdoctoral fellow paperwork, appointments, reappointments, and visas. Assist faculty with recruitment of new postdocs. Prepare postdoctoral offer letters and work with university attorneys to obtain their approval.

Lead Timekeeper for department; monitors payroll, overtime and vacation balances for all faculty, staff, and undergraduate employees. Acts as key resource for all staff regarding timekeeping policies and procedures for department.

Maintains CLASP certification and undertakes continuous training as appropriate. Other special projects and job duties as assigned by Administrator II or Chair.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of three years related experience. Professional accounting skills required.
• Able to take responsibility for multiple accounts in a complex granting structure and show initiative in making suggestions and decisions preferred.
• Knowledge of institutional and funding agencies policies and procedures related to sponsored programs accounting and applications, University purchasing processes, accounts payable processes, Workday, URGEMS and myURHR are preferred.
• CLASP certification will be required within one year of start date.
• Ability to work independently, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, detail-oriented, and able to work well in a team environment preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion 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 status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

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.