Grants Accounting Analyst at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA

Job description

• The Grants Accounting Analyst supports the financial administration of sponsored projects by performing post‑award accounting activities, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and institutional policies. The role performs award setup, billing, collections, cash application, financial reporting support, and closeout tasks. It also contributes to month‑end close activities, account reconciliations, and audit preparation.
• The Grants Accounting Analyst partners with research administration, program staff, and finance leadership to resolve discrepancies, improve accounting processes, and maintain strong financial stewardship of sponsored awards. The role requires attention to detail, analytical capability, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Remote
• The Grants Accounting Analyst supports the financial administration of sponsored projects by performing post‑award accounting activities, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and institutional policies. The role performs award setup, billing, collections, cash application, financial reporting support, and closeout tasks. It also contributes to month‑end close activities, account reconciliations, and audit preparation.
• The Grants Accounting Analyst partners with research administration, program staff, and finance leadership to resolve discrepancies, improve accounting processes, and maintain strong financial stewardship of sponsored awards. The role requires attention to detail, analytical capability, and the ability to manage recurring deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs post‑award accounting activities throughout the sponsored award lifecycle, including award setup and maintenance, invoicing, accounts receivable management, cash application, financial reporting support, and award closeout activities.
• Reviews, processes, and maintains sponsored award transactions and records to ensure accurate and timely administration of sponsored projects in accordance with sponsor requirements and institutional policies.
• Supports month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close activities by preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation related to sponsored awards.
• Monitors billing, collections, and cash management activities; researches and resolves routine issues related to invoices, receivables, payments, and award financial activity.
• Prepares and maintains financial reports, documentation, and supporting schedules required for sponsors, management, audits, and other sponsored programs accounting activities.
• Utilizes enterprise systems and reporting tools to support sponsored programs accounting operations, maintain data integrity, respond to stakeholder inquiries, and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Assists with external and internal audits by preparing requested schedules, providing supporting documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries related to sponsored award activity.
• Supports compliance with applicable accounting standards, sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and internal control expectations; identifies routine issues and recommends practical resolutions.
• Interacts with co‑workers, visitors, and other staff consistent with the values of Jefferson.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• 2 years to 4 years of progressive accounting experience.Requires practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience
• Practical and working knowledge of GAAP and the ability to apply standards to routine accounting transactions and close activities.
• Working knowledge of grant accounting principles, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), allowable cost rules, and revenue recognition for restricted funding.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and advanced spreadsheet skills to analyze data, reconcile accounts, and prepare schedules.
• Ability to prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, grant billings, and supporting documentation with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills to identify drivers of variances, research discrepancies, and recommend practical resolutions.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with program teams, grant managers, auditors, and cross‑functional partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines in a fast‑paced, close‑driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• CPA - Certified Public Accountant - State of Pennsylvania

Skills

Required

• Practical and working knowledge of GAAP
• Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
• Allowable cost rules
• ERP/accounting systems
• Advanced spreadsheet skills
• Journal entries preparation and review
• Reconciliations
• Grant billings
• Supporting documentation
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills

Benefits

• Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tuition assistance, as well as voluntary benefits, which provide colleagues with access to group rates on insurance and discounts. Colleagues have access to tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full time service or two years of part time service. All colleagues, including those who work less than part-time (including per diem colleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.