ABOUT US

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 14,400+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University’s mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.
Living in Carrollton, “The City of Dreams,” offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.
At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.
The city embraces the University’s students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.
Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

JOB SUMMARY

This position reports directly to the Assistant Vice President for Academic Strategic Budget, Planning, and Finance and will assist in interpreting Federal, State, USG, and University financial policies and procedures for all sponsored projects. Identifies and maintains sensitive and confidential financial data and information. Consequences of misinterpretation or inaccuracy of sponsored projects data could result in the loss of external funding and/or penalties and fines issued by Sponsored Project sponsors, including the possible loss of all federal funding to the University.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in business, accounting, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Degree (undergraduate or Graduate) in business, accounting, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university OR bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college and at least four years’ experience of research administration experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in higher education.

PREFERRED EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

MBA or Master’s in Accounting or related field

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Certified Research Administrator. Experience using sponsor electronic research systems (NIH eRA Commons, NSF, Grants.gov, NASA NSPIRES, NOAA Grants Online, etc.). Experience in PeopleSoft financials. Experience and knowledge of federal agency policies and procedures as well as applicable OMB circulars and fundamentals of research administration.

KNOWLEDGE

Expert knowledge of Microsoft EXCEL with intermediate knowledge of other Microsoft products Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of individuals in a high stress environment Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.

1 -
Analyze the financial implications of all federal, state, and private sponsored project awards in coordination with ORSP staff, ensuring accurate and timely review. Provide comprehensive training to Principal Investigators (PIs) and Budget Contacts on award budget guidelines and expenditure allowability to ensure their understanding and compliance. Efficiently establish new awards by following established protocols and procedures, ensuring accurate documentation and timely completion of necessary processes. Review sponsored project expenditures for compliance with allowability, allocability, and reasonableness criteria. Review sponsored project expenditures for compliance with Federal, State, and sponsor regulations to ensure appropriateness and adherence.
2 -
Verify accuracy of sub-agreement invoices, authorize payments, and maintain meticulous tracking of invoices. Review all quarterly, annual, and final fiscal reports for accuracy and compliance. Monitor and track sponsored project expenditures, ensuring timely and scheduled expenditure of awarded funds by PIs. Conduct reviews and monitoring of internal financial control activities for sponsored projects, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, USG, and UWG regulations. Establish indirect costs accounts and allocates indirect costs on a quarterly basis to all approved divisions in a timely manner.
3 -
Identify cost-sharing requirements and thoroughly review special terms and conditions stated in award documents to ensure compliance and understanding. Establish cost-share accounts as needed and track cost-share expenditures for accurate reporting to the sponsor. Prepare and submits all financial and contract reports (i.e., Federal Financial Reports FF425) and invoices to sponsors ensuring timely and accurate filing. Stay updated on changes to federal agency policies, procedures, and relevant OMB circulars, and ensure implementation of all applicable policies and procedures governing federal, state, and private sponsored projects. Prepare financial statements, projections, budgets, and reports.
4 -
Review sponsored project accounts and reconcile all sponsored project receivables accurately. Prepare annual Schedule of Expenditures and Financial Awards (SEFA) and submits to USG Board of Regents. Approve and process budget amendments for all grants and sponsored projects. Review, prepare, and enter General Ledger journals for all sponsored projects that are reviewed, for internal control purposes, by the Assistant Controller before posting. Serve as liaison between University, federal, state, private and external/internal auditors. Assume additional duties as assigned.