Grant Accountant

Grant Accountant

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is Wisconsin's second-largest university, with a unique dual mission of access and research to provide high-quality education for students from all backgrounds. UWM is one of the 146 top research universities recognized as "R1" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

The Office of Research, and its employees, are responsible for central research administration, oversight of research policy and compliance, and internal research development programs. The office includes the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Office of Undergraduate Research, as well as several research centers.

The duties and responsibilities allocated to this position are those involved in the financial administration and accounting of the extramural gifts, grants, contracts, and trust accounts awarded to the University by Federal, Corporate, State, Municipal, Foreign, and philanthropic sources. Primary responsibilities include Funds 144, 133, and 233.

The incumbent will be responsible for extramural support accounting duties, including grant and contract financial report preparation and sponsored project fiscal administration. Coordinate the University's extramural support operations. Interpret and analyze financial data. Adhere to policies and procedures that document extramural support financial system operations. Establish and maintain financial records, journals, ledgers, and other records within the Workday ERP system. Produce various and specialized reports.

Oversee the allocation of revenues and expenses among funds. Establish, follow, and ensure internal control mechanisms. Advise University management (i.e., Faculty, Dean's Offices, Business Managers, and their staffs) on extramural support policies and procedures. Prepare and deliver extramural support training materials and documentation. Verify automated system integrity. Determine compliance with accounting standards. Determine cost allocation and methodologies. Decide which of several policies, regulations, or procedures apply to a situation.

Perform agency internal and external reconciliation. Establish and maintain records and reports according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Develop and maintain grantor agency relationships. Advise University management on extramural accounting operations.

Sponsored Program Fiscal Management and Monitoring
• Audit, review, and approve financial transactions including subaward invoices, cost transfers, refunds, payments, and award closeouts.
• Analyze expenditures for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and compliance with approved budgets and sponsor guidelines.
• Reconcile departmental accounting records to institutional systems and approved award budgets.
• Verify automated cost allocations (e.g., indirect costs and fringe benefits) for accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate corrective and adjusting entries with departmental staff and review entries for appropriateness.
• Interpret award documents, budgets, and sponsor regulations to ensure adherence to fiscal requirements.
• Establish and maintain financial systems and procedures for tracking reporting and invoicing deadlines.
• Maintain supplemental records related to cost sharing, fixed assets, budget restrictions, and special award conditions.
• Initiate, review, and record accounting entries, including award closeout transactions.
• Create and manage subaccounts for complex or interdisciplinary awards.
• Review RAMP records and related documentation for accuracy and compliance for approval of created and modified Workday records.

Financial Reporting and Revenue Administration
• Prepare and submit accurate financial reports, invoices, and statements in accordance with sponsor requirements and GAAP.
• Perform monthly drawdown in accordance with sponsor requirements.
• Develop sponsor-compliant financial report and invoice formats when none are provided.
• Prepare annual and final financial reports, invoices, statements, and supporting schedules.
• Draft and coordinate correspondence related to financial submissions.
• Obtain required certifications, signatures, and supporting…