University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Project Accounting and Oracle PPM serves as the functional lead for the Oracle Project Portfolio Management (PPM) module within the Controller’s Office. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient use of PPM across the University. The position oversees the integrity of accounting processes related to sponsored projects, capital projects, and internal initiatives tracked in PPM. In coordination with campus finance and research administration teams, this position ensures that the University’s use of PPM aligns with Uniform Guidance needs, evolving Oracle updates, and the University’s financial reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Project Accounting Leadership and Oversight:

• Serve as the primary point of contact within the Controller’s Office for all accounting practices related to PPM and University projects
• Develop and enforce consistent accounting policies and procedures related to consistent project setup, expenditure recognition, and revenue treatment
• Collaborate with Sponsored Projects Administration, Capital Projects, and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal, state and institutional requirements

Reconciliation and Financial Reporting:

• Lead the monthly and year-end reconciliation of the Oracle PPM subledger to the General Ledger (GL), ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Trouble shoot and resolve complex accounting discrepancies between PPM and GL in partnership with other finance teams, University IT teams, and consultants as required

Oracle PPM Management, Labor Distribution, and Compliance:

• Serve as the functional owner of the Oracle Cloud PPM module, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external consultants
• Serve as the functional owner of the Labor Distribution process ensuring the process runs routinely
• Work closely with Payroll, HR, and Sponsored Projects Administration to troubleshoot errors in Labor Distribution and improve the end-to-end labor costing process
• Monitor and assess quarterly Oracle Cloud updates; lead testing and implementation of changes impacting the PPM module and Labor Distribution Process
• Lead efforts to align University business processes with updates in Uniform Guidance and other application regulations
• Maintain internal controls and documentation to support audit readiness and financial reporting integrity

Training and Communication:

• Provide guidance and training to campus stakeholders on project accounting procedures, PPM usage, and change in accounting practices
• Create user documentation, process maps, and communication tools, as needed, to support consistent use of PPM

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial operations, with at least 3 years in higher education, nonprofit, or public sector with sponsored projects experience Demonstrated experience in project accounting, including cost allocation, fund restrictions, revenue recognition, and expense tracking across multiple funding sources.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

• Proficiency reconciling subledgers to the general ledger and preparing journal entries, adjusting entries, and year-end close processes
• Familiarity with GASB standards relevant to project and grant accounting is required
• Excellent communications skills - both verbal and written
• Exceptional organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in accounting or CPA

CPA eligibility is highly desirable, especially for candidates without advanced degrees

Direct experience with Oracle Cloud ERP – particularly with Project Portfolio Management (PPM) and General Ledger (GL) modules

Strong working knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance) including cost principles and allowable costs

Application Process

For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation for the position is budgeted for $90,000 to $100,000.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

About Us

The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.