Research Finance Accountant

This position is responsible for the post-award administration function of Letter of Credit (LOC) draws as part of the Research Finance Accounting team. The accountant will be required to maintain and adhere to a complex schedule of draws to ensure that all funds are available when requested and appropriately recorded and reconciling with the grant's module and ultimately the general ledger.

Research Finance strives for excellence in providing support and oversight in administratively managing sponsored projects, monitoring associated financial compliance requirements in accordance with sponsor regulations and university policies, and providing analytical and cost accounting expertise to the management of Vanderbilt's research enterprise. Research Finance includes the Grant Analysts that provide central oversight for project expenditures, financial reconciliation, financial reporting, and award closeout, the Research Accountants that perform invoicing, cash management and accounts receivable management, and the Data and Cost Analysts that perform cost accounting activities and institutional research reporting as well as award setup and effort certification compliance oversight.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for preparing all letter of credit draws for research services including ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and accurate

• Expert on process for LOC draws including specific instructions by sponsor to ensure all draws are timely and meet compliance requirements

• Maintain complex schedule of letter of credit draws

• Orchestrate letter of credit draws with sponsors in accordance with draw schedules and university policies

• Record all LOC draws timely and accurately within Oracle to ensure grants module accurately reflects grants financial position

• Investigate and follow up on any letter of credit variances from funds drawn and allowable amounts

• Perform Federal Fund bank reconciliations each month adhering to Central Finance deadlines and ensuring receipts are created for all bank statement lines.

• Perform cash transaction reconciliations quarterly for LOC agencies.

• Identifies debt owner for US Treasury Offset Program offsets.

• Identifies opportunities for process improvements and changes to policies and procedures to facilitate automation and fully utilize system capabilities

• Assist with preparing invoices for Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

• Assist on special projects, as needed.

Qualifications

• Skill in advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint applications is required.

• Time management skills and the ability to work well in a team environment is required.

• Knowledge of accounting principles and general ledger is required.

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, understanding their needs and goals is required.

• Ability to work cooperatively with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively, is required.

• Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is required.

• Proven detail-oriented work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is required.

• Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups is required.

• Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is required.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or equivalent work experience, is preferred.

• A bachelor's degree with an emphasis in accounting is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

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