Research Accountant

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

. Provide proactive post-award financial management support for an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects .

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeMilwaukee • Wisconsin • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $75,000 - $80,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in post-award financial management, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and compliance with sponsor requirements. Capable of analyzing financial data and providing guidance to principal investigators while maintaining strong collaborative relationships across university departments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Post-Award Financial ManagementBudget PreparationFinancial ReportingAccounting PrinciplesGrant Expenditure Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial ManagementBudgetingFinancial ReportingReconciliationCost AllocationPayroll AccountingExpenditure ProjectionsCompliance ReviewFinancial AnalysisAccounting Adjustments

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailAnalytical AbilityProblem-Solving SkillsCustomer Service SkillsInterpersonal Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Research Administrator

Industry Keywords

Sponsored ProjectsFinancial ComplianceUniversity Financial PoliciesGrant AdministrationCost Sharing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide proactive post-award financial management support for an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects
Review and reconcile sponsored-project expenditures, budgets, balances, commitments, and other financial activity
Prepare recurring budget-to-actual reports and other financial reports for principal investigators
Develop expenditure projections and forecasts through project periods
Advise principal investigators on balances, spending plans, projected financial results, and financial issues
Monitor projects for deficits, unspent balances, unexpected expenditures, budget variances, approaching end dates, and other issues
Develop and implement solutions with PIs, the Divisional Finance Officer, OSP, and other personnel
Assist with rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, carryforward, cost sharing, and sponsored-project closeout
Prepare and monitor journal entries, cost transfers, costing allocations, payroll accounting adjustments, and other financial corrections
Review transactions for appropriate funding, classification, documentation, and compliance
Monitor sponsored-project payroll, effort, costing allocations, and cost-share commitments
Maintain supporting documentation and resolve accounting discrepancies and financial-system issues
Serve as a College financial resource for PIs and explain financial reports, projections, transactions, payroll activity, and University processes
Collaborate with OSP Grant Accountants and central University offices
Respond to financial information and documentation requests for reviews and audits
Develop guidance, tools, or training materials for PIs and College personnel
Cross-train with the CEAS College Accountant and provide backup for general College accounting functions
Participate in financial initiatives, system implementations, process improvements, and special projects
Perform other accounting, budgeting, and financial management duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Associate degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
At least two years professional experience in accounting, budgeting, financial management, sponsored-project administration, or a related area
At least one year of experience preparing, reviewing, or analyzing financial reports and financial data
Knowledge of accounting principles and practices applicable to sponsored-project financial management
Ability to analyze grant expenditures, budgets, payroll, commitments, and other financial information and develop accurate financial projections
Ability to identify financial or compliance concerns and determine when issues require consultation or escalation
Ability to prepare accurate reconciliations, accounting adjustments, financial reports, and supporting documentation
Ability to interpret and apply sponsor requirements and University financial policies and procedures
Ability to explain complex financial information clearly to faculty and others who may not have an accounting background
Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with PIs, College leadership, departmental personnel, OSP, and other University offices
Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills
Ability to independently manage a portfolio of sponsored projects and multiple competing deadlines
Strong customer-service and interpersonal skills
Ability to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States upon hire
Employment requires a criminal background check
Finalist candidates must provide three professional/supervisor references
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree; experience with post-award sponsored-project financial management, sponsored-project accounting activities, financial guidance to faculty or PIs; Certified Research Administrator credential

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
Criminal background check and reference check process
Equal opportunity employment
Employment authorization verification upon hire