Financial Accountant III (Cooperative Extension Program)

Job Title

Financial Accountant III (Cooperative Extension Program)

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

College Of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Proposed Minimum Salary

$3,929.84 monthly

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Under the general supervision of Director of Business Operations, the Financial Accountant III is responsible for reconciling financial accounts, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with institutional, federal, state, and sponsor requirements for USDA NIFA capacity awards. The position supports fiscal operations, enhances financial processes, and provides post-award financial administration for agricultural extension grants funded by NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture). This role collaborates with faculty, administrators, and sponsors to maintain fiscal integrity and align with the college’s strategic objectives.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

This position may pay more than the salary listed above depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.  

Responsibilities:

Account Reconciliation and Financial Reporting

• Performs monthly reconciliations for all federal, state, local, and private accounts, including agricultural research federal and state appropriated funded projects.

• Prepares financial reports for stakeholders and assists in year-end account closings and grant closeouts.

• Audits financial transactions and documents to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Prepares, submits, and reconciles required federal and state financial reports, including SF-425 and other NIFA submissions.

• Establishes and maintains internal tracking of individuals projects and/or programs on appropriated funding.

Grants Management and Compliance

• Coordinates with the Research, Grants, and Contracts Office for award setup and account management.

• Monitors cost-sharing requirements, expenditures, and compliance with sponsor terms and conditions.

Financial Oversight and Improvements

• Uses data-driven methods to improve financial processes and internal controls.

• Assists in developing and implementing process enhancements to align with institutional and sponsor requirements.

• Provides technical guidance regarding accounting policies and ensures compliance with applicable regulations.

Post-Award Financial Support

• Assists faculty and project administrators with post-award tasks, including tracking expenditures, cost transfers, and journal entries.

• Facilitates communication with sponsors regarding revisions, approvals, and project amendments.

• Provides assistance and support with financial data for project closeouts and audits.

• Serves as a resource for researchers, department staff, and sponsors for financial-related inquiries.

Other

• Performs additional duties to support the college’s strategic goals. Participates and assists in college-wide events, activities, committees and performs other duties as deemed necessary.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree Accounting, Business or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Four years of accounting experience in a business office.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Verbal and written communication, organizational, interpersonal, proofreading and time management skills.

• Ability to apply problem-solving skills to complex problems, prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.

• Ability to multi-tas