Accounting Associate - Grants Accounting (5000)

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Under administrative direction, this position provides accounting support for post-award grant activities by assisting with financial tracking, reporting, and compliance monitoring in accordance with Federal Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance, State of Illinois requirements, and applicable sponsor and institutional policies. The role supports the accurate recording and review of grant expenditures and assists in ensuring transactions are processed in accordance with established cost principles and administrative guidelines. The position assists in preparing financial data and reports required for grant monitoring and reporting purposes, supports the grant closeout process, and provides documentation and financial information to support internal and external audit activities. The incumbent helps ensure that grant-related financial records are complete, accurate, and maintained in compliance with applicable regulations and University procedures.
Responsibilities apply to School of Medicine grants from federal, state, and private sponsors, including research, education, and service-related funding. The position requires working knowledge of grant accounting practices, applicable compliance requirements, and institutional financial systems to support accurate and timely processing and reporting of grant-related financial activity.

*This position is ON SITE only*

Grant Accounting Functions 85%
*Monitors grant expenditures to support compliance with applicable requirements, including federal Uniform Guidance, State of Illinois regulations, and sponsor-specific guidelines, and assists in tracking financial activity throughout the grant lifecycle.
*Assists in establishing grant accounts in the general ledger by reviewing Advance Account Request Forms and processing account setup in a timely manner to support departmental access to grant funding.
*Reviews grant-related financial transactions for compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable institutional guidelines and assists in identifying and correcting discrepancies to reduce audit risk.
*Reconciles expenditures to grant budgets and assists in preparing adjusting entries to support accurate financial reporting and prevent overspending.
*Prepares routine and required monthly and quarterly financial reports for funding agencies by compiling and reviewing financial data and trial balances for accuracy and completeness.
*Assists in preparing grant drawdown requests, monitors receipt of funds, and reconciles grant accounts to ensure accurate recording of revenue and expenditures.
*Provides technical assistance to principal investigators and fiscal officers regarding grant expenditures and budget monitoring within established guidelines.
*Supports monitoring of grant expenditures by providing financial information and assisting fiscal officers with tracking and review of account activity.
*Assists in coordinating grant closeout activities by comparing actual expenditures to approved sponsor provided budget, identifying required adjustments, and preparing documentation for final sponsor reporting.
*Communicates regularly with principal investigators and fiscal officers regarding grant account status and assists with identifying potential issues or needed adjustments.
*Works with fiscal officers to help resolve routine grant-related issues, including budget revisions, no-cost extensions, and accounting adjustments, in accordance with established procedures.
*Communicates potential compliance concerns or funding risks to the Comptroller or Assistant Provost of Financial Affairs for review. Maintains documentation of grant-related communications and assists in tracking sponsor reporting requirements and maintaining fiscal grant files.
*Maintains an updated listing of active grant accounts, including key dates, award amounts, principal investigator, and fiscal officer information.
*Assists in internal and external audits of grant accounts by gathering supporting documentation and responding to audit requests in a timely manner.
*Assists with maintenance of grant-related databases, including the Grants Attribute Database, and supports preparation of routine ad hoc reports such as interest reviews and letters of credit.
Reporting and Analysis 15%
*Assists in preparing the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) by compiling, reviewing, and verifying grant expenditure data in coordination with the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA).
*Supports preparation of internal and external financial management reports by gathering, organizing, and analyzing accounting data, including cost sharing, effort reporting, and residual fund reporting.
Demonstrates, by actions, commitment to the mission and the behavioral standards of SIU School of Medicine. Provides excellent service to both internal and external customers through collaboration and partnership; compassion and respect; integrity and accountability; diversity and inclusion; as well as continuous learning and improvement.

1. Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, as well as relevant laws and regulations; ability to apply accounting theory to very complex accounting problems.
2. Ability to exercise independent judgment.
3. Ability to present accounting or financial data in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical users.
4. Ability to collect and organize accounting data, interpret its significance, and prepare accurate financial reports.
5. Ability to apply mathematical methods and principles to accounting related problems.
6. Ability to solve difficult and complex accounting and related financial problems.
7. Ability to communicate appropriately regarding accounting and financial issues, and exercise tact when solving controversial problems.
8. May require the ability to direct and manage the activities of subordinates engaged in accounting activities.
9. Working knowledge of computers, computer systems, and accounting software.
10. Ability to work well with others.
11. Knowledge of word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, managing inventory, etc.
12. Ability to assess customer needs, meet quality standards of service, and evaluate customer satisfaction.
13. Ability to compose complex written material; knowledge of grammar and punctuation, spelling, etc.

Condition of Employment

Out of State Applicants that apply to Springfield vacancies in classifications in the occupational area of Professional, Semi-Professional, or Managerial will be subject to the following Condition of Employment: Pursuant to the State University Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date.

If you require assistance, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hrrecruitment@siumed.edu or call 217-545-0223 Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

The mission of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is to optimize the health of the people of central and southern Illinois through education, patient care, research and service to the community.

The SIU School of Medicine Annual Security Report is available online at https://www.siumed.edu/police-security. This report contains policy statements and crime statistics for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL. This report is published in compliance with Federal Law titled the

"Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act."

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer who provides equal employment and educational opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or marital status in accordance with local, state and federal law.

Pre-employment background screenings required.