Sr. Accountant

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.

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The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Complex Accounting & Financial Analysis

• Reviews complex financial data processed through University accounting systems to identify discrepancies, trends, errors, and areas requiring corrective action. Analyzes accounting issues and independently determines the appropriate accounting treatment of financial transactions in accordance with established University policies and procedures.
• Performs complex analyses and tests to verify the integrity of accounting data, reasonableness of account balances, and timeliness and accuracy of financial reporting. Investigates discrepancies, identifies root causes, initiates corrective transactions, and coordinates resolution with appropriate University offices.
• Reviews daily financial transaction-error reports and initiates corrective action as appropriate. Identifies recurring error trends that may indicate process or system deficiencies and recommends appropriate corrective measures.
• Analyzes study participant payment activity and associated financial data to ensure compliance with approved study budgets, payment schedules, sponsor requirements, and University policies. Identifies trends, discrepancies, unusual activity, and areas requiring corrective action or process improvement.

Accounting Transactions & Cost Analysis

• Prepares and reviews complex accounting transactions, including journal entries, cost transfers, sponsor payment activity, account corrections, and other financial adjustments in accordance with University and ORACS requirements.
• Develops and maintains systems for tracking revenue, expenditures, commitments, and encumbrances. Monitors sponsor payments and identifies any outstanding or unusual activity that requires follow-up.
• Administers and processes study participant payments through Advarra on a national scale for multi-site clinical trials supported by the URCC NCORP Research Base grant, as well as locally for single-center trials funded by multiple R01 grants within the Division. Reviews payment requests and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness; processes payments in accordance with approved study protocols, payment schedules, University policies, and sponsor requirements; monitors payment activity; investigates and resolves discrepancies in collaboration with research personnel and University resources; and maintains accurate financial records to ensure appropriate account charging, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Performs complex cost analyses to determine appropriate allocation or redistribution of expenses and supports recovery of costs associated with sponsored programs.
• In collaboration with Research Administration, calculates applicable Department of Surgery clinical trial assessments and verifies appropriate accounting treatment.

Account Reconciliation & Sponsored Research Accounting

• Performs monthly reconciliations of sponsored research accounts (FAO GR5s), including subcontracts, as well as assigned clinical trial, operating, gift, and other research-related accounts. Monitors account balances, expenditures, revenue, commitments, encumbrances, and financial activity and resolves discrepancies in accordance with University and sponsor requirements.
• Ensures financial data associated with Supportive Care in Cancer research grants and clinical trials is accurate, complete, and reliable.
• Coordinates with ORACS and other University offices regarding account corrections, financial reporting, sponsored-project closeout, and resolution of complex grant and clinical trial accounting matters.
• Reconciles study participant payment activity processed through Advarra to supporting study documentation and University financial systems. Ensures participant payments are accurately recorded, appropriately charged to the benefiting project, and supported in accordance with sponsor, University, and audit requirements.

Financial Reporting, Projections & Budget Support

• Develops and maintains financial reporting tools that provide Principal Investigators and administrators with current account status, expenditures, commitments, projections, and anticipated financial outcomes.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial reports for investigators, administrators, Department leadership, and Surgery Finance. Analyzes financial trends and projects activity to assist with budgeting and financial planning.
• Supports development and monitoring of research operating budgets and prepares research financial information for inclusion in consolidated Department budgets and reports.
• Prepares financial information required by sponsors and assists faculty and administrators with the financial components of interim and final award reporting.

Personnel, Salary & Effort Accounting

• Independently reviews personnel expenses charged to research accounts and makes recommendations regarding appropriate salary distributions based on available funding, award terms and conditions, and anticipated changes in funding.
• Works with faculty and administrators within and across departments to proactively adjust salary allocations as funding sources change and ensures personnel expenses are appropriately charged to benefiting accounts.
• Prepares, routes, and monitors personnel-related transactions necessary to implement approved salary and funding changes.
• Reviews and allocates staff effort associated with industry-sponsored clinical trials in accordance with institutional policies, established procedures, and applicable award terms and conditions.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk Identification

• Recommends and maintains accounting controls, procedures, and monitoring activities designed to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information, including sponsored research and participant payment activity, and reduce the risk of inappropriate, unsupported, or inaccurate transactions.
• Identifies financial and accounting risks within Division processes and recommends improvements to strengthen controls, improve efficiency, and promote compliance.
• Interprets University accounting and financial policies and communicates requirements to faculty, staff, administrators, and students. Makes recommendations regarding the application of policies and procedures to complex or unusual transactions.
• Maintains financial documentation in accordance with University record-retention requirements, sponsor requirements, and Department of Surgery guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent and 5 years of professional accounting experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of grant and contract administration, including federal regulations and compliance requirements, and general accounting best practices preferred.
• Knowledge of finance, analytical capabilities, and good interpersonal skills preferred.
• Sound customer service skills with the ability to interact with all members of the campus community preferred.

• Understanding of University financial and human resource platforms preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

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.