Accounting Specialist- Social Work Research and Public Service- UTK

The Accounting Specialist is a key member of the SWORPS business office, supporting the College of Social Work’s applied research mission. This position ensures accurate and timely financial transactions, compliance with university and sponsor requirements, and clear guidance to staff across the department.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a customer-service mindset. SWORPS is a collaborative, service-oriented team, and we are seeking someone who will thrive in a fast-paced, friendly environment where responsiveness, teamwork, and professionalism are essential.

Accounting & Reconciliation

• Process and reconcile accounting transactions including AP/AR invoices, reimbursements, deposits, vendor creation, petty cash, and transfer vouchers.
• Reconcile monthly ledgers for departmental, research, and gift accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy.
•  Maintain chart of accounts and project SPN budget and personnel dashboards. 
• Maintain accurate documentation and support audit readiness.
• Gather and submit expenditure documents for monthly reconciliation of chart of accounts and sponsored program accounts. 

 

Travel & Procurement

• Serve as the primary travel contact for the unit, providing responsive and professional support to staff.
• Process reimbursements, train new staff on travel procedures, and communicate policy changes.
• Manage purchasing processes including procurement card activity, requisitions and gift card requests
• Reconcile, review and approve monthly procurement cards, travel cards and University issued OneCards.

 

Policy Guidance/Communication

• Act as a resource for financial best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate policy updates clearly and in a timely manner to staff across SWORPS and the College of Social Work.
• Contribute to a positive, service-oriented environment by supporting colleagues and responding effectively to requests.

Required Qualifications

• Education:  Associates Degree or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Experience:  2 years of progressively responsible accounting and administrative experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:  
  • Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
  • Strong customer service orientation – responsive, friendly and effective in working with diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in financial transactions.
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced service organization.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new financial systems.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
• Experience:  Experience in higher education or research administration
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of UT fiscal policies and procedures

 

Work Location 

• Knoxville, Position requires in person reporting but has the possibility for being work from home two days a week 

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: 06, salary will align with qualifications and experience; anticipated hiring range is on the high side of the market range midpoint
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

 

Application Instructions 

Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews can begin as soon as 7 days from posting.

Interested individuals should provide (1) a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required and preferred qualification, (2) a resume, and (3) complete contact information for 3 professional references.

About The College/Department/Division 

 The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) is an applied research center of the University of Tennessee College of Social Work (CSW).  We are a dynamic and close-knit interdisciplinary team of individuals with a shared vision of thriving communities with equitable outcomes for all. W