Senior Accountant/Accounting Manager, Grants

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities.

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For”. Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career. 

What We are Looking For

To support the University’s mission by ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting and accounting operations.  This role, supporting Project Portfolio Management (PPM), is responsible for recording, reviewing, analyzing, and reconciling financial transactions in accordance with GAAP and University policies and external regulatory guidance. This position serves as a key accounting resource providing guidance to departments and contributing to process improvements, month-end, and year-end close, and financial reporting activities and is responsible for supporting the development and maintaining compliant solutions for the University’s sponsored projects.

A bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience are required. A master's degree is preferred. A CPA is required for the Accounting Manager level.

The University reserves the discretion to hire at either level role.

Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States.

What You Will Do

• Coordinates the monthly Project Portfolio Management (PPM) subledger close process and ensures accurate and timely integration with the General Ledger
• Monitors and reconciles sponsored programs and faculty fund subledger activity to the General Ledger, ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of financial data
• Performs detailed reconciliations of assigned balance sheet accounts related to sponsored programs and faculty funds
• Researches discrepancies, coordinates corrective actions, and collaborates with stakeholders to resolve accounting issues affecting financial reporting and General Ledger accuracy
• Prepares and analyzes financial reports, supporting schedules, and accounting documentation related to sponsored programs and faculty fund activities
• Supports the preparation and submission of the University's Facilities & Administrative (F&A) Cost Rate Proposal and Fringe Benefit Rate Proposal, including compiling financial data, performing analyses, preparing supporting schedules, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal requirements and cost allocation methodologies
• Performs financial and variance analysis to support financial stewardship, strategic decision-making, and institutional reporting objectives
• Supports month-end and year-end close activities through financial review and account analysis
• Manages accounting oversight of sponsored programs, grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and faculty fund projects within the Oracle Project Portfolio Management (PPM) system
• Reviews project and award structures established by campus partners to ensure financial activity is properly recorded, classified, and reported within the University's financial systems
• Evaluates project setup, funding structures, and accounting attributes to ensure transactions are accurately reflected in the General Ledger and comply with GAAP, University policies, and financial reporting requirements
• Serves as a subject matter expert for sponsored programs and faculty fund accounting within PPM
• Maintains current knowledge of GAAP, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), sponsor regulations, and University policies impacting sponsored programs accounting
• Reviews financial transactions, project activity, and accounting processes to ensure adherence to accounting standards, internal controls, and institutional requirements
• Evaluates financial processes and identifies opportunities to strengthen controls, mitigate risk, and improve operational effectiveness
• Coordinates audit support activities, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to inquiries from auditors and regulatory agencies
• Provides consultative support to business officers, financial managers, and financial administrators
• Participates in process improvement initiatives, system enhancement efforts, and cross-functional projects to improve financial operations and reporting effectiveness
• Attends and facilitates meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities to maintain technical expertise
• Leads or contributes to special projects and performs additional duties in support of Compliance Services, the Controller's Office, and the University's mission
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with University policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds.  Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally.  If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!