Job Summary:
The Project Accountant is a finance professional who is responsible for maintaining financial recordkeeping for university projects in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations, university policies, and other applicable requirements. The position will provide assistance and support to staff and faculty involved in projects in an active, fast-paced environment.
Organizational skills, demonstrated ability to manage project budgets, and the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently are required. In addition, strong computer and software skills are essential.
Essential Functions:
1. Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the university as demonstrated by the University's Ideal Characteristics. As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.
2. Oversee and manage the finances for university projects and programs applications. Financial administration activities include, but are not limited to: budget work, forecasting, invoicing, reporting, reconciling, and internal close-out.
3. Maintain financial recordkeeping for projects, including sponsored projects, institutional programs, and initiatives.
4. Collaborate with staff and faculty to prepare budgets for grant applications.
5. Monitor, analyze and audit project budgets and expenses, and approve expenditures that comply with approved project budget, funder requirements, and institutional policies. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
6. Prepare financial reports for projects as required. Prepare budget modification requests as applicable.
7. Coordinate with Finance staff to prepare for and complete draw-down of funds for projects awarded external funding.
8. Prepare and submit invoices.
9. Oversee timesheet distribution, collection and processing for project positions.
10. Coordinate with Project Directors, as well as faculty and staff throughout the institution to ensure effective financial planning for grant-funded projects, and provide support to ensure grant-funded expenditures align within the approved budget within the budget period/grant period.
11. Ensure all financial activities associated with projects comply with institutional policies and funder requirements.
12. Oversee financial recordkeeping of approved budget, allowable expenses, planned and actual expenses, draws, spend-down, and other financial records. Support recordkeeping by Project Directors and their teams.
13. Assist with internal record audits and external requests for financial documentation with a focus on budgets, expenditures, draws, certified payrolls, invoicing, and internal close-out.
14. Trains and supports faculty and staff on fiscal responsibility, regulation compliance, and financial management.
15. Support the financial aspects of preparing annual institutional registrations, applications and renewals.
16. Participate in the development, implementation, assessment, and revision of the university’s financial policies related to project funding.
17. Support day-to-day financial recordkeeping in Raiser's Edge NXT, PN3, Access Online, Grantseeker/Grantseeker Pro, Office 365, and other software as applicable. Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc reports on grant activities and related topics.
Qualification/Education:
1. Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University.
2. Bachelor's Degree.
3. Three years of experience in successful finance position, preferably within a higher education setting.
4. Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and staff on campus.
5. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize, and meet strict deadlines.
6. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software, including databases, graphics programs, and grant submission software. Advanced Excel skills preferred.
7. Ability to learn new software.
Physical Requirements:
1. Attendance is required in order to perform the duties of this job.
2. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
3. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.