Job Description:

About Brown 

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity

The University is hiring in the role of Grant/Contract Accountant. The candidate's education, experience and qualifications will determine if they are offered the Level I or Level II position.

Grant/Contract Accountant I

The Grant/Contract Accountant is a member of the Post Award team in the University's central Office of Sponsored Projects. The incumbent is expected to provide direct services to faculty, department managers and all members of the research community.  Responsibilities include reviewing and processing awards, including interpreting, and ensuring compliance with award terms and conditions, rendering decisions regarding sponsored project issues, budget management, expenditure review, financial reporting, cash management, and all other award management activities, including participation in training, special projects, and systems development.  Review, interpret and disseminate University and sponsor policies for a variety of issues ranging from cost allowability to reporting requirements, effectively articulate these policies to internal and external constituencies including Faculty, Departmental Administrators, and the Division of the Vice President for Research.

Grant/Contract Accountant II

The Grant/Contract Accountant II is a member of the Post Award team in the University's central Office of Sponsored Projects. The incumbent is expected to provide direct services to faculty, department managers and all members of the research community.  Responsibilities include reviewing and processing awards, including interpreting, and ensuring compliance with award terms and conditions, rendering decisions regarding sponsored project issues, budget management, expenditure review, financial reporting, cash management, and all other award management activities, including participation in training, special projects, and systems development.  Review, interpret and disseminate University and sponsor policies for a variety of issues ranging from cost allowability to reporting requirements, effectively articulate these policies to internal and external constituencies including Faculty, Departmental Administrators, and the Division of the Vice President for Research.  In addition, the position also serves as a mentor and resource to junior staff members.

Qualifications

Grant/Contract Accountant I

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of research administration experience or closely related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

Familiarity with university or academic medical center or non-profit organizations a plus. Award management application systems experience preferred. 

Job Competencies

• Excellent decision making and interpretive skills and the ability to provide effective advice on award issues are critical to answer questions and resolve issues presented by departmental administrators and faculty members. 
• Tireless attention to detail and awareness of the importance of University’s relationship with sponsors. 
• Computer proficiency in data entry maintenance, word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to navigate sponsor’s administrative websites for award management and financial reporting.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, faculty, deans and external sponsors; strong organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to satisfy divergent interest in support of broader strategic goals of the University (e.g, Building on Distinction).
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, to elicit and communicate information, to analyze complex issues, and to prepare/present clear, informative and concise materials.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.  Initiative and judgement to independently problem solve and prioritize.  Ability to work independently, but also as a strong team player when needed. Must also demonstrate the ability to be organized and flexible in an environment that requires continuous monitoring of priorities.
• Additional requirements include enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment; exceptional attention to detail and ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Keeping up with emerging issues in research administration and rapidly changing technology to meet both internal and external OSP needs; participating in systems demos, training, and discussions, and participating in local user groups; engaging in using new technology as it is available at Brown; working to apply and adapt operational and functional standards to new development tools and techniques.
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks in a deadline driven environment while providing proactive customer service and maintenance of workflow throughout grant management system development, implementation, and deployment.
• Understand the nature of and interpret the terms and conditions of awards from our sponsors, and University policies such that project objectives can be accomplished while maintaining accountability to sponsors and compliance with university policies.
• Effective decision making when reviewing expenditure transactions to determine if allocable, allowable, and reasonable by interpreting award terms and conditions, University policy and procedures, and generally accepted accounting principles.  Effectively manage cash through monthly billing to sponsors and diligently follow up on accounts receivable aging reports.

Grant/Contract Accountant II

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree and 3+years of research administration experience or closely related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, required.

Familiarity with university or academic medical center or non-profit organizations a plus. Award management application systems experience preferred. 

Job Competencies

• Excellent decision making and interpretive skills and the ability to provide effective advice on award issues are critical to answer questions and resolve issues presented by departmental administrators and faculty members. 
• Tireless attention to detail and awareness of the importance of University’s relationship with sponsors. 
• Computer proficiency in data entry maintenance, word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to navigate sponsor’s administrative websites for award management and financial reporting.
• Ability to interact effectively with staff, faculty, deans, and external sponsors; strong organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to satisfy divergent interest in support of broader strategic goals of the University (e.g, Building on Distinction).
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, to elicit and communicate information, to analyze complex issues, and to prepare/present clear, informative, and concise materials.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.  Initiative and judgement to independently problem solve and prioritize.  Ability to work independently, but also as a strong team player when needed. Must also demonstrate the ability to be organized and flexible in an environment that requires continuous monitoring of priorities.
• Additional requirements include enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment; exceptional attention to detail and ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Keeping up with emerging issues in research administration and rapidly changing technology to meet both internal and external OSP needs; participating in systems demos, training, and discussions, and participating in local user groups; engaging in using new technology as it is available at Brown; working to apply and adapt operational and functional standards to new development tools and techniques.
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple tasks in a deadline driven environment while providing proactive customer service and maintenance of workflow throughout grant management system development, implementation, and deployment.
• Understand the nature of and interpret the terms and conditions of awards from our sponsors, and University policies such that project objectives can be accomplished while maintaining accountability to sponsors and compliance with university policies.
• Effective decision making when reviewing expenditure transactions to determine if allocable, allowable, and reasonable by interpreting award terms and conditions, University policy and procedures, and generally accepted accounting principles.  Effectively manage cash through monthly billing to sponsors and diligently follow up on accounts receivable aging reports.

Additional Information

• Applicants are asked to include a cover letter and resume with their application.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-01-07

Job Posting Title:

Grant/Contract Accountant II

Department:

Office of Sponsored Projects

Grade:

Grade 10

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Remote

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.