Accounting Specialist: Social Work & Public Research - UTK

Accounting Specialist:
Social Work & Public Research - UTK

Knoxville, TN, United States

The Accounting Specialist is a key member of the SWORPS business office, supporting the College of Social Work’s applied research mission. This position ensures accurate and timely financial transactions, compliance with university and sponsor requirements, and clear guidance to staff across the department. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a customer-service mindset. SWORPS is a collaborative, service-oriented team, and we are seeking someone who will thrive in a fast-paced, friendly environment where responsiveness, teamwork, and professionalism are essential.

The Accounting Specialist for the Tennessee Families Thrive (TFT) project will be responsible for managing and overseeing financial operations to ensure efficient and compliant processing of funds within this grant‑funded initiative. This role supports the financial integrity of the project by maintaining accurate records, implementing procedural standards, and ensuring alignment with organizational policies and funding requirements. The Accounting Specialist will collaborate closely with program staff to facilitate financial processes that advance household stability and economic mobility for families served under the TFT initiative.

This is a grant‑funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant.

This position is anticipated to have a start date of August 1st, 2026.

The Accounting Specialist II responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Process and reconcile accounting transactions including AP/AR invoices, reimbursements, deposits, vendor creation, petty cash, and transfer vouchers.
• Reconcile monthly ledgers for departmental, research, and gift accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policy.
• Maintain chart of accounts and project SPN budget and personnel dashboards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and support audit readiness.
• Gather and submit expenditure documents for monthly reconciliation of chart of accounts and sponsored program accounts.

• Serve as the primary travel contact for the unit, providing responsive and professional support to staff.
• Process reimbursements, train new staff on travel procedures, and communicate policy changes.
• Manage purchasing processes including procurement card activity, requisitions and gift card requests.
• Reconcile, review and approve monthly procurement cards, travel cards and University issue One Cards.

• Act as a resource for financial best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Communicate policy updates clearly and in a timely manner to staff across SWORPS and the College of Social Work.
• Contribute to a positive, service‑oriented environment by supporting colleagues and responding effectively to requests.

Required Qualifications

Education: Associate degree or 2 years of progressively responsible accounting and administrative experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
• Strong customer service orientation – responsive, friendly and effective in working with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in financial transactions.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced service organization.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new financial systems.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment‑based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
• Experience: Experience in an academic environment
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of UT fiscal policies and procedures

• Location:
  
  Knoxville, Position requires in‑person reporting but has the possibility for being hybrid and working from home two days a week

• UT market range: Salary will align with…