ACCOUNTANT, OFFICE OF COST ANALYSIS

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Manager of Cost Analysis in the Accounting Office, performs accounting and fiscal analyses related to the Cost Analysis area, in accordance with sound accounting practices and principles; and may be responsible for supervising specified accounting functions.

Assists in the preparation of the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate proposal, the Sponsored Programs’ fringe benefit rate proposal, and review of the calculation of rates for service center facilities. Incumbents are expected to independently apply accounting skills and knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Federal cost principles, including cost accounting standards. Assists in preparing other special cost studies related to university-wide operations including, but not limited to facilities rates, lease profitability analyses, collective bargaining analyses, and cost-benefit analyses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Assists the Manager of Cost Analysis in performing activities of the Office of Cost Analysis to ensure compliance with Federal cost principles, cost accounting standards, and university policy.
2. Reviews policies and procedures to enhance internal controls and provide clarity, compliance, and guidance to the University community.
3. Assists in the development of the University’s Sponsored Programs' fringe benefits rates.
4. Perform space survey and various analyses and calculations to support the preparation of the University’s Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate in accordance with the Office of Management & Budget’s Uniform Guidance.
5. Provides accounting guidance and support to budget personnel who manage university departmental budgets including departmental service centers, application of the university’s cost accounting policies, and functional and departmental classifications.
6. Provide accounting support to Sponsored Programs Services with a focus on grant revenues and expenses.
7. Perform various accounting, reporting, and other fiscal analyses, in accordance with sound government accounting practices and principles. Respond to audit inquiries as needed.
8. Reviews accounting transactions and makes adjustments as needed.
9. Performs related work as required.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in accounting or finance or CPA and 3 to 5 years accounting experience; or Bachelor's degree in accounting and 5 or more years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of sound accounting practices and principles.
• Ability to work positively as part of a team collaborating with others to achieve process improvements, departmental, and university goals.
• Ability to work independently and resolve complex accounting problems.
• Considerable critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, including the ability to analyze, compare and interpret figures and financial data and draw conclusions and understandings. 
• Ability to write comprehensive reports and communicate effectively with a wide variety of university, government and banking officials and the public.
• Proficiency in financial reporting and general ledger systems, and Microsoft applications specifically Excel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant.
• Experience in accounting and financial reporting for higher education or governmental institutions.
• Knowledge of Kuali Financial Systems, Kuali Financial Datamart, WebFOCUS, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Banner, or other ERP system.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.