Accountant I – Sponsored Projects Accounting

Job Description

Accountant I | University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)

The Tone:
This is a full-time, remote position for the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), primarily supporting the Office of Sponsored Projects Accounting and Compliance (SPAC). As a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland, UMB is dedicated to public education and research, upholding core values such as Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery. This role is integral to the financial operations of sponsored projects, ensuring accurate processing, timely reporting, and adherence to compliance standards. The Accountant I contributes directly to the university’s financial integrity and its ability to manage vital research and educational funding effectively.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Remote, Baltimore, MD
• Pay: $54000–$62000 yearly
• Team: Office of Sponsored Projects Accounting and Compliance (SPAC)
• Mission: Ensures the timely and accurate financial processing, reporting, and compliance for sponsored projects.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Invoice Management: Generate, accurately record, and diligently process invoices related to various sponsored projects and financial activities.
• Award Closeouts: Execute the processing of funding entries necessary for the proper financial closeout of grants and other awards.
• Expenditure Reporting: Under manager’s guidance, proactively identify sponsored projects that require initial reports of expenditures, then complete and distribute these reports while strictly adhering to award terms, conditions, and deadlines.
• Stakeholder Communication: Engage in professional outbound communications with internal university departments and external customers, fostering positive relations and ensuring clear financial interactions.
• Financial Reporting Support: Compile essential financial data and prepare both routine daily and monthly activity reports for management review, along with assisting in the preparation of various ad hoc reports as needed.

The Must-Haves
• Background: A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, which must include a minimum of nine credits in accounting. This position is suitable for entry-level professionals.
• Experience: The role requires foundational accounting knowledge demonstrated through academic coursework and an understanding of general accounting principles. No specific years of prior professional experience are strictly mandated beyond the degree.
• Skills: Possess a working knowledge of and the ability to effectively apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); demonstrate basic analytical skills for financial review; proficiently operate manual and automated office equipment, including personal computers, and utilize financial software for accurate data input; communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with various stakeholders; and competently prepare and present detailed working papers and supporting financial documentation.
• Bonus: Entry-level to mid-level accounting knowledge pertaining to grants and contracts.