Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $56,600 - Midpoint: $73,600 (Salaried E9)

Department/Organization: 502702 - Campus Financial Affairs

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy. 

Job Summary: The Accountant III prepares, reconciles, and audits budgets under minimal supervision. Prepares financial reports, invoices, schedules, and/or statements. Completes journal entries. Reviews, analyzes, and approves expenditures. Determines fund balances. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, University policies, and procedures. Provides guidance, trains, and/or may supervise entry-level accountants.

Additional Department Summary: Performs accounting duties for the Office for Contract & Grant Accounting. Independently gathers, manages, and analyzes financial data. Manages audit inquiries and responses related to externally sponsored programs. Assists with educating the campus community to ensure proactive compliance prior to audit. Independently manages all post-award financial activities for a portfolio of projects with increased complexity. Provides training and guidance to departmental staff and key stakeholders regarding the review of complex matters and interpretation of regulations and policies.

Must be well versed in federal uniform requirements (2 CFR 200), state and sponsor rules and regulations, and University policies. Assists department leadership with implementation of CGA policies and procedures, training and mentorship of key stakeholders, and guidance and resolution of unique and difficult matters that may arise.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related financial field and five (5) years of accounting experience; OR Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and three (3) years of accounting experience.

Skills and Knowledge: Demonstrated interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate and interact with senior leadership, Principal Investigators, administrators, auditors, and sponsors with a customer service perspective. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing financial regulatory environment. Proficiency with accounting systems, effort reporting systems, electronic research administration systems, and Microsoft Office suite.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze complex data and develop meaningful solutions to specific problems in collaboration with colleagues. Strong organizational skills with the ability to balance changing priorities and a demanding workload. Ability to meet multiple and variable priorities and deadlines.

In-depth knowledge of federal and state costing policies, federal uniform requirements (2 CFR 200), generally accepted accounting principles, cost allocation methods, and accounting policies and procedures in an academic environment, with direct experience in contract and grant fiscal administration for externally sponsored funding. Proven record of collegial communication and cooperative initiatives with colleagues in sponsored programs, contracting, research compliance, finance, faculty, and administration.

Preferred Qualifications: Five (5) years of professional accounting, audit, or financial compliance experience. CRA or CFRA certification or CPA license. Demonstrated evidence of collaborative work in a team environment and participation in the professional recruitment of team members. Experience providing leadership and mentorship to departmental staff in all aspects of post-award financial management. Experience independently interpreting terms and conditions and applying them in a variety of complex situations.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.

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