University of Tennessee

The College of Social Work Office Research Administration (CSWORA) within the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a research center that works with federal grants, government, nonprofits and across university departments. This position reports to the Director of Budget, Finance & Operations (BFO) in the Business Office. CSWORA is in a growth phase on multiple levels not just in terms of dollars but sponsors, contracts, and employees which all require strong financial management knowledge and this position is a key part of that. This position is expected to share the pre-award and post-award duties with the BFO with minimal guidance. We are looking for a motivated individual with a positive attitude who will use their financial expertise for accuracy, financial health and to deliver superior service to principal investigators (PI) and the overall research team. This position will prepare complex, multi-million dollar budget proposals requiring expert skills in interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines, uniform guidance, university and fiscal policies. Activities require a high level of critical thinking to anticipate issues in financial compliance or organizational resources/structure and resolve them. This position is expected to be professional, clearly communicate information to various levels of staff to ensure all required documents are submitted timely. 

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state’s flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!

Ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates”, “One of America’s Best Large Employers”, “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
• Experience: 3 years accounting/finance experience with one year experience related to pre and/or post award activities on sponsored projects, Intermediate Skills in Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
• Pre and post award activity knowledge with sponsored research 
• Ability to produce and present financial forecasts and proposed budgets, use for Excel budget management and forecasting
• Ability to advise on time sensitive compliance and budget matters
• Knowledge of interpreting and applying federal regulations relative to sponsored research.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and leadership skills to deal effectively and tactfully with personnel at all levels

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: 2 years of experience directly related to pre and/or post award activities on sponsored projects, Extensive knowledge of Uniform Guidance
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
• Knowledge of University of Tennessee policies, procedures and software systems (i.e., IRIS, Cayuse) -Knowledge of higher education financial practices 
• Ability to create financial models & dashboards in excel

Work Location 

• Position has the possibility of being remote but may require travel to the State of Tennessee on occasion

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: 11
• Anticipated hiring range: $68,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews can begin as soon as 7 days from posting.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Interested individuals should provide (1) a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required and preferred qualification, (2) a resume, and (3) complete contact information for 3 professional references.

About The College/Department/Division 

The College of Social Work Office of Research Administration’s Mission is to facilitate and support the research efforts of the faculty, students and research staff in the college and research centers. The office supports investigative research activities by advising about funding opportunities, assisting with the development of proposals, developing budgets, supporting post-award grant management, ensuring proposals and projects comply with university, agency, state and federal guidelines and serving as a liaison with the UTK Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development.