Accountants in the Sponsored Programs Accounting office (SPA) provide financial post award management throughout the award life-cycle by maintaining and reconciling ledgers and accounts according to generally accepted accounting principles. Incumbents prepare and analyze financial information and prepare reports and financial statements based upon the analysis performed.

Incumbents at the Accountant level are expected to possess the knowledge and experience to analyze, interpret, and resolve problems for which no procedures and/or instructions exist.

The Accountant reports to a Manager or an Accountant Senior. This classification may train and guide less experienced staff and/or student employees.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah.

• Work with the research administrators on account set up.
• Review and record budget revisions and other modifications in Banner.
• Monitor financial activity on accounts, making decisions on allowability, allocability, reasonableness and consistency.
• Initiate, prepare, and submit grant financial reports (interim and final), invoicing, and cost share reports to sponsors on a timely basis.
• Troubleshoot variances on invoices.
• Work with accounting assistants and interns to ensure follow-up/collection of outstanding receivables and payment reconciliations.
• Maintain and apply authoritative knowledge of Uniform Guidance and other relevant grant regulatory requirements such as federal, state and university regulations, and policies and procedures.
• Creatively and proactively evaluate and resolve problems and make decisions.
• Provide problem resolution for post award issues to faculty/department administrators.
• Assist with audit management and year-end close, including collection of samples and producing special reports.
• Effort certification documentation
• Recommend changes to improve programs, policy and/or practice.
• Ensure timely close-out of completed grants.
• Interact with colleagues in the Office of the Controller and HR/Payroll; this role contributes to ensuring outstanding research compliance.
• Communicate one on one, group presentations, and/or virtually to deliver training.
• Assist in educating faculty, departmental administrators, and other staff members in understanding all areas of grant accounting, managing, and reviewing accounts, and billings to sponsors.
• Provide assistance and training, written and verbal, to faculty and staff in the appropriate management of sponsored program accounts.
• Ability to use Kuali grants management system for awards to cross reference with Banner.
• Work independently or with others on various projects such as surveys, policy/procedure development, form development, or special reports.
• Regularly review federal sponsor policies including costing rules and regulations; participate in webinars, trainings, or conferences to keep updated on ever changing regulatory compliance pertaining to grants and contracts.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field plus two years of experience or equivalent education plus experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in Banner software application, including grants module.
• Knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications.
• Ability to set up and maintain financial accounts and ledgers.
• Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.
• Knowledge of financial software tools to quantify and illustrate routine financial reports, statements, and/or projections.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations and University financial policies and procedures, including all areas of research administration.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and/or projections.
• Ability to communicate complex information (financial, legal, and regulatory) to a diverse population, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and prioritize workload.
• Adaptable to changing environments and to learn new software systems and technology skills.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 01/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023