Research Accounting Manager

Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Blacksburg, VA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Accounting Manager is a key member of the Finance and Operations Team in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. This role is responsible for overseeing all sponsored award activities, ensuring compliance with expenditure regulations, and providing leadership in research administration. The position involves financial reporting, project management, and liaising with various stakeholders to support research funding activities while adhering to university, state, and federal guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for research administration and manage all sponsored award activities.
• Coordinate expenditure compliance and monitor spending rates.
• Oversee salary planning, close-outs, financial reporting, and project transfers.
• Act as the OESRC liaison for the department and perform ad hoc reporting.
• Support the implementation of best practices in compliance with regulations.
• Manage Experiential Learning Agreements (ELAs) and track seed funding allocations.
• Handle payroll transactions and personnel activity reports (PARs).
• Utilize critical thinking skills to resolve issues related to research funding.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated administrative experience in research support.
• Knowledge of federal and nonfederal regulations in a university or state agency setting.
• Experience in budgeting and financial tracking using spreadsheets.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex tasks effectively.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and attention to detail skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with high accuracy in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with federal and nonfederal grant administration and contract regulations.
• Familiarity with Virginia Tech systems such as Award Management, Banner, and HokieMart.
• Knowledge of university administrative and accounting practices.
• Professional designations such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM).
• Ability to handle ambiguity and adapt to change.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities.
• Inclusive community dedicated to knowledge and creativity.