The Research Accountant Setup Coordinator is critical to the mission of this unit as this is the first step in the Post-Award Accounting Operations for sponsor projects management. This position will analyze sponsored projects award documents for deliverables, invoices, financial reporting requirements, and compliance needs for the establishment of new accounts and the maintenance of existing projects in the DASH ERP system. Additionally, this position will be responsible for reviewing all subaward agreements and creating procurement requisitions to establish purchase orders in DASH. Establishing and fostering a professional working relationship with the various departmental business offices that serve the UT Knoxville community and faculty is essential to the success of this position. The Research Accountant Setup Coordinator will also be an expert in sponsored project budgets. This entails reviewing the awarded budgets and translating to UT’s DASH ERP system, placing expenditure controls in DASH, providing guidance on when sponsor approval is required for budget revisions. This is a very fast-paced, high-volume environment in which one must be able to manage multiple deadlines; exercise good judgment and decision-making skills; apply knowledge of UT fiscal policy, federal regulations, and sponsors’ terms and conditions; and conform to those requirements to reduce the risk of loss of funds for the University.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in any related field

EXPERIENCE:

• Three years of experience in business administration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of research administration issues including financial management and the ability to interpret and communicate federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to research administration operations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and granting agency requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including active listening skills, plus the ability to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, administrators and other stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize and manage a high-volume of complex projects simultaneously to meet constant deadlines in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to be detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be flexible, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style of work that encourages teamwork and cooperation.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service with a commitment to exceptional quality.
• Ability to think analytically, quantitatively, creatively, and strategically and to work with ambiguity.
• Skill to be an independent thinker with professional skepticism.
• Ability to be a team player who works well collectively and collaboratively with colleagues to achieve common goals.
• Ability to apply previous knowledge and experience for a more complex management of sponsored projects.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or business-related field
• Certified Public Accountant

EXPERIENCE:

• Three years of experience in research administration, preferably at a comprehensive research university or institution

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Knoxville of UT fiscal, human resources, and research policies
• Experience with Oracle Cloud accounting system, CAYUSE, Microsoft Power BI, Huron Grants and Agreement Software

• Partner with the Departmental Business Units, faculty, and other University personnel in the establishment of sponsored projects accounts. Provide guidance to departmental accounting offices, Principal Investigators (PI), and others on proposed account setup to ensure compliance with the award terms and conditions, ensuring uniform guidance, and UT Policies are followed.
• Works proactively to avoid problems and/or identify issues and work with others to resolve any issues in a timely manner.
• Provide training for DRA, Departmental Business units, and faculty across the UT Knoxville campus.
• Communicate with sponsor personnel as needed to obtain clarifications needed for the award setup process.
• Continuously monitor sponsor, federal or university policy changes and update resources in Post Award.
• Coordinate and/or assist with other activities, special projects, and reports.
• May serve on subcommittees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.