Cost Accountant (Project Management)

At the University of Oklahoma, the Cost Accountant will, under supervision and training, perform data gathering and analysis/review of annual billing rates for university Recharge Centers and Service Units/Auxiliaries. Collectively this group of cost centers is referred to as Service Centers. This role will collaborate with campus financial administrators who are involved in rate development, assisting them with training/education to help ensure that Uniform Guidance rules governing rate calculations are understood and adhered to.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Creates reports to balance financial statement transactions to source documents such as accounts payable transactions, deposits, and inter-university transactions. 
• Documents any timing differences or reconciling items. 
• Notifies appropriate personnel of irregularities and obtains proper signatures of authority as evidence of review. 
• Monitors departmental accounts, accounts payable transactions, and spending activity. 
• Maintains department's financial records, budget information, and other forms of data. 
• Tracks payments, receipts, transactions, internal and external contracts, and agreements. 
• Prepares financial reports to document activity, substantiate transactions, and report findings. 
• Performs financial analyses for report preparation, to improve departmental accounting procedures, and at the request of department head. 
• Ensures the quality of data. Researches inconsistencies and conducts follow-up investigations or consults with appropriate personnel. 
• Trains, delegates tasks, and oversees work. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Gain familiarity with Uniform Guidance cost guidelines regarding Service Centers
• Provide training/guidance to campus departments involved in rate calculations for Service Centers
• Gain familiarity with established Service Centers across campus to help facilitate training and guidance when necessary and to identify potential reporting issues
• Provide review and analysis of Service Center rate calculations to help ensure periodic updates are performed, as required by Uniform Guidance
• Perform periodic analysis of Service Center financial results to monitor risk and identify new or additional rate reviews to perform
• Assist in the establishment or close-out of Service Centers in accordance with established university policies
• Assist in data analysis involved during the preparation of the Facilities and Administrative rate proposals during base years (every 4 years) and during off-base year checkpoints.
• Provide helpful communication to campus regarding policy and Uniform Guidance requirements, and identify areas that need additional training
• Perform other various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position

Required Education:  Bachelor's degree AND a minimum of 18 hours of accounting coursework, AND: 

•  24 months experience as a professional Accountant.

Skills:

• Knowledge of Accounting principles, practices, methods, and terminology
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office, accounting software and databases
• Ability to choose the right mathematical method or formula to solve a problem
• Ability to collect and organize accounting data, interpret the significance, and prepare accurate financial reports
• Ability to solve moderate to advanced accounting and related financial problems
• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, project management and communication skills
• Understanding of accounting concepts and basic math skills
• Strong work ethic to ensure the team meets applicable deadlines
• Ability to produce reports and complete work within deadlines
• Advanced excel skills with ability to build and manipulate spreadsheets
• Ability to communicate effectively, using email, phone, or in person methods
• Questioning mindset that looks to learn and improve on the way things have been done
• Team player that seeks to provide exceptional support to the university
• Outstanding organizational ability with great attention to detail
• Proficient in MS Office

Departmental Preferences:

• Previous work experience in higher education or grants accounting
• Working knowledge of Peoplesoft financials
• Working knowledge of state and federal regulations related to cost accounting, sponsored project administration, and rate development

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Sitting for prolonged periods.
• Manual dexterity.
• Use of computer and answer telephone.
• Must be able to engage in repetitive motions including movements of the hands, wrists, or fingers, and communicate effectively
• Standard Office Environment.

Certifications: None

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.