The Senior Accountant, Billing Specialist is responsible for assisting the Accounting Manager Assistant Director with the oversight of post-award administration functions, specifically ensuring compliance, accuracy, and completeness of invoicing, receipt creation/application, collections, and letter of credit draws as part of the Research Finance team. In addition, as part of the Research Finance team, the Senior Accountant, Billing Specialist is expected to facilitate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Vanderbilt’s faculty and staff across campus providing timely and accurate financial accounting and reporting related to sponsored grants and contracts. In addition, the Research Finance Senior Accountant, Billing Specialist is expected to support and be subject matter expert for the other Accountants on the Research Finance Accounting team.

　　The Research Finance Team strives for excellence in providing support and oversight in administratively managing sponsored projects, monitoring associated financial compliance requirements in accordance with sponsor regulations and university policies, and providing analytical and cost accounting expertise to the management of Vanderbilt’s research enterprise. Research Finance includes the Research Financial Analysts that provide central oversight for project expenditures, financial reconciliation, financial reporting, and award closeout, the Research Accountants that perform invoicing, cash management and accounts receivable management, and the Data and Cost Analysts that perform cost accounting activities and institutional research reporting as well as award setup and effort certification compliance oversight.

　　Duties and Responsibilities

　　Accumulate, analyze, and summarize routine detailed data in order to prepare and review invoices and reports for both federal and non-federal sponsored programs

　　Review Research Finance Accountant’s prepared invoices based on billing type cycle using a variety of online, automated, and manual processes, as required by each grantor

　　Cross-train to support and back-up for the Research Finance Billing Accountant, Letter of Credit Accountant, and Cash/AR Accountant.

　　Assist with the preparation of quarterly deliverables for Financial Reporting

　　Escalate issues that require more than routine follow-up to Assistant Director. This includes trouble shooting and critically thinking through the issue to determine possible solutions.

　　Assist Accountants with responding to inquiries from the sponsors and research community.

　　Assist in reconciliation of sponsor invoices to ensure accurate and timely reporting of all sponsor invoicing activity

　　Assist and review various high-risk balance sheet reconciliations performed by Accountants

　　Process refunds for sponsored grants and contracts adhering to internal controls

　　Supervise aging and outstanding AR balances for Grants and Contracts sending collection notices on outstanding balances in accordance with the Collection Procedure

　　Formulate recommendations for process improvements and enhancements to ensure efficient operations of the various accounting functions.

　　Assist with the development of policies, procedures, and training.

　　Assist with closing the ERP’s subledger Project Portfolio Management as part of month-end close

　　Assist on special projects, as needed

　　Qualifications

　　Skill in advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint applications is required.

　　Time management skills and the ability to work well in a team environment is required.

　　Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, understanding their needs and goals is required.

　　Ability to work cooperatively with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively, is required.

　　Demonstrated performance in establishing and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships with a full range of internal and external constituencies is required.

　　Proven detail-oriented work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is required.

　　Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups is required.

　　Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is required.

　　Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders is required.

　　A Bachelor’s degree, with an emphasis in accounting, from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred. Equivalent related work experience will be considered.

　　CPA or MACC/MBA is preferred.

　　Experience in higher education with a focus in research compliance and/or financial administration in a research university, academic medical center, or other organization subject to an externally regulated environment is preferred.

　　Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and General Ledgers is preferred.

　　Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

　　At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

　　Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

　　Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

　　Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.