Accountant II

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.

Job Location (Full Address):

265 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

400039 Environmental Medicine

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 109 H

Compensation Range:

$26.90 - $37.66

Responsibilities:

With latitude for initiative and independent judgment, performs pre- and post-award professional accounting work in the Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health (EMPH). Working closely with finance team in EMPH, will be directly responsible for the management and oversight of pre- and post-award sponsored research activities for a variety of accounts (research grants, foundation, institutional, endowment, etc.). Performs professional accounting work and administrative support related to operations of the EMPH. With latitude for independent judgment, utilizes knowledge of the University accounting platform (UR Financials), grants management system (IORA) and University policies and procedures to provide proper review and control over all currently funded projects, including cost analysis and distribution, classification of accounts and funds, study of accounting systems and sponsored programs accounting. Initiates requests for research payroll-related paperwork for department. Knowledge of and adherence to institutional and sponsor policies is a critical component in the management of sponsored research projects and is essential to the functional responsibilities of this position. Understanding of encumbrance accounting principles is required. Possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Research Grant Accounting: Develops and maintains financial reports for sponsored projects to ensure compliance with sponsor and University policies. Reviews expenditures, reconciles accounts, and advises research administrators and principal investigators on budget variances, questionable charges, and required corrections. Projects future spending trends, prepares account closeouts, and provides regular reporting to faculty, departmental leadership, and central offices. Creates and updates reports, tracking systems, and financial projections to support grant management and departmental planning. Leads financial troubleshooting, resolves reconciliation issues, and collaborates with staff and central finance offices to implement solutions. Maintains accurate records and documentation, ensuring timely and compliant grant accounting across all funding sources.
• Other Research Accounting: Manages financial activities for sponsored projects and research-related accounts, including maintaining accurate records, reconciling payroll and non-payroll expenditures, and ensuring compliance with University and sponsor regulations. Oversees participant incentive accounting, including activation and tracking of research participant payments in accordance with policy. Supports data use agreement accounting by monitoring agreements, coordinating payments, and ensuring compliance with approved data management plans. Prepares and submits invoices for external contracts and agreements, and collaborates with central offices, research administrators, and project leadership to resolve issues, meet deadlines, and ensure accurate reporting.
• Departmental Accounting: Manages a variety of departmental financial activities, including developing annual and project budgets, preparing invoices, processing journal entries, and providing regular financial reporting to leadership. Oversees start-up accounting and reconciliation of departmental operating accounts and cumulative salary ledgers, researching and preparing journal entries as needed. Serves as departmental subject matter expert on URFinancials, training and supporting