Summary

The Research Accountant -Effort and Cost Transfer is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance of effort reporting and cost transfer processes for sponsored research projects. This role supports principal investigators (PIs), research administrators, and central finance teams by providing guidance on federal, state, and institutional policies related to allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and consistency of expenditures and payroll allocations. The position plays a key role in safeguarding the integrity of sponsored funds and ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.

Will consider highly qualified candidates to work remotely within the state of Texas.  Will be required to attend work related meetings in Houston occasionally, travel for these meetings will be at the employee’s expense.

Job Duties

Effort Reporting

• Assist with the coordination of the institution’s effort reporting process in accordance with federal (Uniform Guidance), sponsor, and institutional requirements.
• Review, monitor, and reconcile payroll distributions to ensure accuracy and alignment with committed effort and project budgets.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty, departmental administrators, and staff on effort certification policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in effort reporting and payroll distribution.
• Maintain documentation to support effort certifications and effort-related adjustments.

Cost Transfers

• Review and process cost transfer requests for payroll and non-payroll expenses, ensuring compliance with sponsor and institutional policies.
• Evaluate justification and timeliness of cost transfers, ensuring proper documentation and audit readiness.
• Monitor research expenditures and proactively identify potential issues requiring correction.
• Work with departments and principal investigators to resolve financial compliance concerns related to cost transfers.

Compliance & Policy Support

• Interpret and apply federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, and institutional policies related to effort and cost transfers.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource to faculty, administrators, and staff.
• Support audit requests by preparing documentation and explanations of effort and cost transfer activities.
• Assist with policy development, process improvements, and system enhancements to strengthen compliance.

Training & Communication

• Develop and deliver training sessions, job aids, and guidance documents on effort reporting and cost transfer procedures.
• Communicate effectively with faculty and administrators to ensure understanding of compliance requirements.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related field.
• Two (2) years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a research academic setting or comparable environment.
• Familiarity with effort reporting systems (e.g., ECRT, ERS, or similar) and ERP/grant management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday, Banner, Oracle, SAP).

Department Specific Criteria

• Proficiency in Excel.
• Strong analytical, reconciliation, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems (e.g., Workday, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP) and Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research, particularly Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency with financial systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.