Research Accountant II

Position Summary

Working under the supervision of the Director of Finance and Operations, the Research Accountant II is responsible for the day‑to‑day maintenance of complete and accurate financial records for the Rice
360 Institute for Global Health Technologies.

• Assisting in the management and tracking of gift, grant, and institutional funds
• Reviewing and processing all financial documents to ensure that expenses follow university and sponsor guidelines and that sufficient funds are available on the appropriate fund
• Reconciling departmental records with the university accounting system
• Preparing detailed accounting reports and financial projections

The ideal candidate is a detail‑oriented research accounting and finance professional with advanced knowledge of accounting principles, contract and grant procedures, and compliance frameworks. They are a proactive problem‑solver who works well under deadlines, with high proficiency in Excel and financial systems, and a strong preference for candidates familiar with Rice University systems. They possess excellent interpersonal and cross‑cultural skills, allowing them to collaborate effectively with diverse partners, including those in low‑resource settings.

This is a Houston‑based full‑time position (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) with occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work required to accommodate time‑zone differences for meetings with partners. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Salary: $61,000–$69,000/year, contingent upon qualifications and experience. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime. This position is 50% funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing need and the renewal of funding.

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2+ years of experience in grant‑funded research budget oversight, expenditure tracking, and analysis
• Skills:
  • Advanced knowledge of contract and grant procedures and the ability to apply accounting practices
  • Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, concepts, and analysis of accounting transactions
  • Advanced knowledge of Uniform Guidance and Cost Accounting Standards
  • Advanced working knowledge of Excel
  • Ability to independently diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision‑making abilities
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with different process partners
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field
• Related experience in research budget oversight in a higher education academic, government entity, or not‑for‑profit setting
• Prior experience working with Rice University financial systems (e.g., Banner, iO)
• Ability to work under deadlines with flexibility, tact, good judgment, discretion, and initiative
• Strong project management skills with ability to prepare materials and clearly and effectively communicate information
• Demonstrate support for Rice
  360 Core Values:
  Innovation, Equity, Community, Integrity, Accountability, Empowerment and Transformation

• Reviews and interprets legal documents for financial terms and conditions
• Reviews account setup in financial systems to ensure financial terms are recorded with appropriate key attributes
• Clarifies financial terms and ensures correct account setup to ensure compliance
• Prepares financial reports
• Coordinates and works with Sponsored Projects and Research Compliance senior management, institutional representatives, and administrators to set up account structures for complex programs/centers
• Monitors sponsored project activity—including cost overruns, cost sharing, and unallowable/administrative expenses—throughout the project lifecycle to ensure compliance
• Performs reconciliation and overall analysis of expenditures and final award closeouts for assigned departments or sponsor award ranges
• Interprets complex university and government policies
• Serves as liaison between the university, sponsors, and department staff
• Completes other duties as assigned