Accounting Specialist, Social Work Office of Research and Public Service-UTK

Accounting Specialist, Social Work Office of Research and Public Service-UTK

We are seeking an Accounting Specialist for the Social Work Office of Research and Public Service at University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

This is an accounting position for the TCSEPP project, a $5M state‑funded grant that is expanding to $25M over five years. The role will serve as an accounting specialist for the West region, acting as the subject matter expert in certain areas and implementing new procedures and policies. Responsibilities include managing petty cash funds at banks across the state, setting standard procedural steps, guiding a large remote program staff group, and implementing a novel University of Tennessee System purchasing and reconciliation process for individual assistance costs that total in the millions.

Note:

This grant‑funded position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

Financial Tasks: process petty cash, set up and establish new vendors, process invoices and backup documentation, perform monthly procurement card reconciliations, order supplies, process internal transfers, handle entertainment requests, and onboard new program staff in financial policies and procedures.

Contract Management Tasks: create contracts and non‑compete justifications for purchases, compare requests with grant budgets, request vendor numbers and vendor set‑up in UT system, and ensure all contract information is correctly submitted to the Treasurer’s Office.

Bank Management Tasks: manage petty cash accounts at various banks across the state, monitor bank balances, ensure appropriate documentation for banking and petty cash items, code G/L for cash outflow, reconcile cash outflows/inflows/bank balances and general ledger, process new accounts and monitor limits.

Gift Card Tasks: process gift card requests, prepare purchase requisitions for gift card requests, purchase, distribute, track, and store gift cards.

Travel Tasks: provide standard guidance for travel requests and expense reports, coordinate travel requests, and train new staff on travel policies, procedures, and software.

• Education:
  
  Associate’s degree (can be substituted with 2 years progressively responsible accounting and administrative experience)
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of basic accounting principles (GAAP)
  • Ability to multi‑task and prioritize a heavy task load with time‑sensitive deadlines
  • Excellent communication, customer service, and organization skills

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field
• Experience:
  • Experience in an academic environment
  • Experience with UT fiscal policies and procedures
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of state and federal contract and financial requirements
  • Working knowledge of UT fiscal and HR policies and procedures

Position is hybrid and requires in‑person reporting to the office in Jackson, TN at least three days a week.

• UT market range: MR 06
• Anticipated hiring range: $50,000–$52,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Interested individuals should provide (1) a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required and preferred qualification, (2) a resume, and (3) complete contact information for three professional references.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree‑granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land‑grant university, its footprint spans the entire state.

The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge…