Research Accountant

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Position Title:

Research Accountant

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Accountant II

Job Duties:

The Research Accountant provides College-level post-award financial management and accounting support for sponsored projects within the College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS). Reporting to the Divisional Finance Officer, this position serves as a primary College financial resource for principal investigators (PIs), assisting faculty with the day-to-day financial management of their sponsored-project portfolios throughout the post-award lifecycle.

The Research Accountant proactively monitors sponsored-project financial activity; prepares budget-to-actual reports, projections, and other financial analyses; assists PIs in developing spending plans; monitors payroll and other commitments; prepares or initiates costing allocations, payroll accounting adjustments, cost transfers, journal entries, and other accounting corrections; and supports effort reporting and other sponsored-project financial requirements.

The position works closely with PIs, the Divisional Finance Officer, College leadership, departmental personnel, and the UWM Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). The Research

Accountant serves as the College-side financial partner to PIs while maintaining an appropriate separation between College financial management and the institutional oversight, review, approval, and other responsibilities performed by OSP.

This position works collaboratively with the CEAS College Accountant and is cross-trained in general College accounting functions to provide backup support and ensure continuity of financial operations.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Sponsored Project Financial Management, Reporting, and Forecasting — 45%

· Provide proactive post-award financial management support for an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects.

· Regularly review and reconcile sponsored-project expenditures, budgets, balances, commitments, and other financial activity.

· Prepare and provide PIs with recurring budget-to-actual reports and other financial reports that clearly communicate the financial status of their awards.

· Develop projections and forecasts of sponsored-project expenditures through the project period, including anticipated salary, fringe benefits, student support, supplies, equipment, subawards, and other commitments.

· Meet with and advise PIs regarding available balances, spending plans, projected financial results, and potential financial issues.

· Monitor sponsored projects for deficits, unspent balances, unexpected expenditures, budget variances, approaching project end dates, and other issues requiring attention.

· Identify financial concerns proactively and work with PIs, the Divisional Finance Officer, OSP, and other appropriate personnel to develop and implement solutions.

· Assist PIs with financial planning related to rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, carryforward, cost sharing, and other post-award actions, coordinating requests with OSP as appropriate.

· Assist with the financial aspects of sponsored-project closeout by reviewing accounts, identifying outstanding transactions or corrections, and coordinating necessary actions before project end dates.

Sponsored Project Accounting, Payroll, and Effort Support — 30%

· Prepare, initiate, and monitor accounting transactions associated with sponsored projects, including journal entries, cost transfers, costing allocations, payroll accounting adjustments, and other financial corrections.

· Review sponsored-project transactions for appropriate funding, accounting classification, documentation, and consistency with University and sponsor requirements.

· Monitor payroll charged to sponsored projects and compare payroll activity with approved budgets, anticipated effort, project periods, and available funding.

· Work with PIs and appropriate College personnel to establish and update costing allocations for faculty, staff, students, and other personnel supported by sponsored projects.

· Identify payroll discrepancies or changes requiring action and prepare or coordinate necessary payroll accounting adjustments.

· Support PIs and College personnel with effort reporting and related financial processes, including identifying discrepancies between payroll distributions and anticipated or certified effort.

· Monitor and document cost-share commitments and related financial activity when applicable.

· Maintain appropriate supporting documentation for sponsored-project financial transactions and adjustments.

· Research and resolve accounting discrepancies and financial-system issues affecting sponsored projects.

PI Support, Compliance, and Coordination with OSP — 15%

· Serve as a knowledgeable and accessible College financial resource for PIs regarding the financial management of sponsored projects.

· Explain financial reports, balances, projections, accounting transactions, payroll activity, and relevant University financial processes to PIs and other College personnel.

· Assist PIs in understanding and applying sponsor and University requirements affecting the financial management of their awards.

· Collaborate with OSP Grant Accountants and other central University offices to resolve post-award financial questions and issues.

· Coordinate College-initiated financial actions with OSP when central review, approval, or institutional action is required.

· Respond to requests for financial information and supporting documentation associated with sponsored-project reviews and audits.

· Help identify potential compliance concerns and elevate issues to the Divisional Finance Officer, OSP, or other appropriate University officials.

· Develop guidance, tools, or training materials that assist PIs and College personnel in effectively managing sponsored-project finances.

College Accounting Backup and Special Projects — 10%

· Cross-train with the CEAS College Accountant and provide backup support for general College accounting functions, including financial reporting, reconciliations, journal entries, costing allocations, payroll accounting adjustments, and budget monitoring.

· Collaborate with the College Accountant and Divisional Finance Officer to promote consistent financial practices across sponsored and non-sponsored College funds.

· Participate in College and University financial initiatives, system implementations, process improvements, and special projects.

· Perform other accounting, budgeting, and financial management duties as assigned.

Department:

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 146 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. UWM celebrates, values and promotes the diverse voices and experiences of its students and employees and our community partners. We believe diversity enriches and strengthens our institution. UWM is committed to providing equitable access to opportunities for students and employees from every background. We aspire to create a campus climate that is welcoming to all. Learn more here: https://uwm.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion/about-dei/

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Knowledge of accounting principles and practices applicable to sponsored-project financial management.

· Ability to analyze grant expenditures, budgets, payroll, commitments, and other financial information and develop accurate financial projections.

· Ability to identify financial or compliance concerns and determine when issues require consultation or escalation.

· Ability to prepare accurate reconciliations, accounting adjustments, financial reports, and supporting documentation.

· Ability to interpret and apply sponsor requirements and University financial policies and procedures.

· Ability to explain complex financial information clearly to faculty and others who may not have an accounting background.

· Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with PIs, College leadership, departmental personnel, OSP, and other University offices.

· Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to independently manage a portfolio of sponsored projects and multiple competing deadlines.

· Strong customer-service and interpersonal skills.

Compensation:

$75,000 - $80,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience).

Required Qualifications:

· Associate degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

· At least two years professional experience in accounting, budgeting, financial management, sponsored-project administration, or a related area.

· At least one year of experience preparing, reviewing, or analyzing financial reports and financial data

Preferred Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

· Two years’ experience with post-award financial management of sponsored projects, including activities such as budget monitoring, financial reporting, projections, expenditure review, or account reconciliation.

· Two years’ experience with accounting activities related to sponsored projects, such as payroll accounting, effort reporting, costing allocations, cost transfers, journal entries, or other financial adjustments.

· Two years’ Experience providing financial guidance, budget analysis, or financial reporting directly to faculty, principal investigators, project directors, or similar stakeholders.

· Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide a cover letter and resume addressing your professional level work experience. Your cover letter and resume must address your qualifications, experience, and knowledge as it specifically relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications and why you are interested in applying for this position.

Note: Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. Applications missing any of the required documents listed prior to the application deadline will be marked as incomplete and may not be considered. 

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications. Additional documents submitted aside from a cover letter and resume will not be reviewed. 

 

Finalist candidates(s) will be asked to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

 

Apply electronically by the application deadline date of Sunday, November 15th, 2026, at 11:59pm. Questions about this position should be directed to Coua Xiong at xion2447@uwm.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

About Us

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin’s second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of 187 top research universities recognized as “R1” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

At UWM, we are committed to creating positive employee experiences, so our team members are able to thrive and excel in their work. UWM offers a comprehensive benefits package and contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans. Employees with a qualifying position also receive an extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays. Please visit this link to view summary benefits information (Compensation figures are for example purposes only).