Job Description
Salary Grade Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $23.68 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data. Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess. Job Description The grant accountant functions in a professional capacity for Case Western Reserve University in the Office of Research Administration and reports directly to the associate director, sponsored projects accounting. The principal objective of the position is the effective and efficient management of sponsored project accounts from set-up through close-out, such that the university is in compliance with all university and sponsor policies, regulations, and requirements. This includes the following duties as they pertain to sponsored project accounts: 1) Notice of Award review, 2) preparation and submission of all financial reports, 3) preparation and submission of all invoices, 4) monitoring expenditures, revenues and budgets for assigned accounts, 5) identification and removal of unallowable costs from sponsored projects, and 6) review and approval of all non-salary journal requests and salary adjustments that do not exceed 90 days per the university cost transfer policy. The position functions independently to analyze problems and devise and implement solutions, in accordance with appropriate policies and procedures. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Prepare various financial reports for sponsored projects in specific departments. Review award documentation to determine appropriate assignment of costs in accordance with the sponsor's terms and conditions and university's policies and procedures. Review expenditures to identify unallowable/ unallocable expenses or inaccurate expenditure classifications and remove questionable costs from project via journal entry (approved by associate director). Alert and work with department to resolve questionable expenditures. Prepare invoices to granting agencies accurately on a timely basis as required by regulation or contractual agreement in coordination with departments. Review and approve all invoices generated by grant accounting clerks to maintain segregation of duties. In the preparation of invoices, review effort reporting to ensure that salary charges on sponsored projects are allowable and appropriate based on grant/contract agreements and sponsor and university rules. Review for accuracy indirect costs and fringe benefits charged to project when preparing financial reports. Notify department administrators of financial reporting deadlines. Prepare and reconcile all financial status reports for sponsored projects in specific departments, as assigned such that the reports are accurate, reviewed by the principal investigator and department, and submitted to the sponsor on a timely basis. Work with departments to ensure that scientific reports required for submission to the sponsoring agency are submitted timely to achieve the sponsored project's objective and to ensure the sponsoring agency remits funds to Case Western Reserve University on a timely basis. Monitor projects that are closed out in PeopleSoft in a timely manner. Maintain files of sponsored projects Notice of Grant Awards, financial reports, invoices, and other documentation as deemed necessary. (60%) Review and approve all non-salary journal requests (in consultation with the associate director, sponsored projects accounting, as needed) and salary adjustments for sponsored project accounts for specific departments that do not exceed 90 days per the university cost transfer policy. When journal requests or salary adjustments are denied, provide an explanation of the reasons for the denial and work with the principal investigator and department administrator in situations where a resubmission is desired. (20%) Serve as a sponsored project accounting (post-award) the Office of Research Administration and the specific departments, as assigned. This includes assisting department administrators and principal investigators with questions regarding the post-award administration of sponsored projects, resolving post- award problems, providing guidance and training with respect to university policy and sponsor requirements, recommending options to manage potentially inappropriate and/or unallowable expenses, and identifying actions requiring written approval. It also includes establishing and supporting effective lines of communication with faculty, schools, and department administrators. Stay current on regulatory and legal issues relating to post-award sponsored projects management. (10%) Review new and revised Case Western Res