Accountant

KU research at the University of Kansas addresses problems of worldwide significance and delivers solutions that make a difference to Kansas and the region. The Office of Research facilitates that mission by advocating for research, scholarship and creative activity, implementing research integrity requirements, and, through the KU Center for Research (KUCR), managing the administration of research grants and contracts. KU Research also has oversight of activities related to technology commercialization and business and industry outreach. KU's research centers are recognized as University Research Centers and report to the Office of Research. The Office of Research also provides core research lab services for university investigators. Each lab has experienced professionals and state-of-the-art technology to support researchers throughout their research projects.

KU Center for Research, lnc. (KUCR), a non-profit 501(c)3 research foundation, operates for the benefit of the university under the administrative jurisdiction of the KU Office of Research. The Office of Research is responsible for submitting all proposals for external support of research, instructional and service awards and helps research investigators by negotiating contracts, providing proposal and post-award services, administering compliance oversight, managing and constructing research facilities, and handling financial services, including investment of corporation resources.

The KUCR Accountant is responsible for the comprehensive review and processing of financial transactions supporting the full spectrum of research activity, including supplier invoice payments, travel reimbursements and procurement card expenditures. This position ensures accurate and timely handling of transactions while maintaining rigorous compliance with all applicable institutional policies, regulatory requirements and sponsored fund guidelines.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho & Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

30% - GENERAL ACCOUNTING DUTIES:

• Accounts Payable & Requisition Transaction - Audit & Compliance.
  • Conduct comprehensive audits of payments, encompassing rigorous verification of invoice accuracy, supplier details, and appropriate expenditure classification. Ensure all transactions carry proper authorization from the principal investigator or designated approver, and exercise diligent follow-through on any special payment instructions to safeguard institutional and sponsor interests.
• For expenditures charged to sponsored funds, perform high-level compliance reviews assessing allowability and appropriateness in accordance with federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR *200), KUCR Cost Accounting Policy, and all applicable institutional policies - upholding the University's commitment to fiscal integrity and regulatory accountability.
• Execute assigned financial system processes with accuracy and efficiency, including payment transactional reconciliation, transaction database in the university financial system, and the preparation of detailed financial reports as directed by management. Utilizing risk-based post audit of non-sponsored transactions in addition to conducting thorough reviews of purchase order invoice matching, ensuring alignment and flagging discrepancies for timely resolution.
• Review and process payment requests for research participants and independent contractors, applying sound judgment to ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures. Ensure invoices are complete, accurate and ready for final payment processing within established protocol and perform independent audits of transactions entered by other departments, maintaining a critical check on financial data integrity across the institution.
• Partner with research units to build understanding of applicable financial policies, serving as a trusted resource that strengthens compliance culture across the research community. Actively identify, investigate and resolve invoice and statement discrepancies directly with suppliers and coordinate financial activities with the KU Comptroller's Office as needed to ensure seamless institutional financial operations.

25% - TRAVEL AND EXPENSE REPORTING:

• Administer the end-to-end review and audit of travel and expense reimbursement requests, ensuring all submissions meet documentation standards and are fully substantiated by reconciled receipts. Perform multi-currency exchange rate calculations to ensure accurate and compliant reimbursement of international travel expenditures.
• Conduct compliance audits against KUCR, University, and sponsoring agency travel policies, exercising sound professional judgment to identify discrepancies and enforce adherence to federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR *200), KUCR Cost Accounting Policy, and all applicable institutional policies - upholding the University's commitment to fiscal integrity and regulatory accountability. Collaborate with Award Management Services to stay current on evolving sponsor-specific requirements and ensure institutional practices remain aligned with funding agreements.
• Assist in the administration of travel advance loans, monitoring recipient compliance and ensuring the timely and accurate submission of post-travel reports. Serve as a knowledgeable resource and authoritative point of contact for KUCR travel policy, providing clear and proactive guidance to the research community, academic departments, and shared service center.

25% - CREDIT CARD EXPENSE REPORTING:

• Comprehensive audits of credit card expenditures will be conducted to ensure full compliance with institutional purchasing policies and applicable regulatory frameworks. Each transaction will undergo rigorous review encompassing documentation integrity, supplier eligibility and verification, and appropriate funding source alignment.
• For expenditures charged to sponsored funds, audits will extend to a thorough assessment of allowability and appropriateness under federal cost principles, including the requirements of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR *200), KUCR Cost Accounting Policy, and all relevant institutional policies - ensuring the University maintains the highest standards of fiscal stewardship and regulatory accountability.

15% - CUSTOMER SERVICE/LIAISON:

• Serve as the primary liaison between KU Research departments and KU Center for Research Inc., fostering collaborative relationships that support institutional compliance and the consistent application of KUCR procedures across the research community.
• Provide expert guidance on KUCR financial management standards, including transaction entry protocols, supplier management guidelines, account code structures, and the application of funds and encumbrances for grant expenditures. Translate financial and compliance requirements into clear, actionable direction that empowers research staff to operate with accuracy and confidence.
• Exercise sound professional judgment in identifying, assessing, and escalating unusual issues to supervisor and departmental leadership, ensuring timely resolution and the preservation of institutional compliance integrity.

5% - OTHER ACCOUNTING DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

• Assist in other Fiscal Affairs special accounting projects and analyses as assigned by management, including maintenance of current documentation for processes and procedures required to perform this position. Crosstrain with other Fiscal Affairs staff to provide back-up.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, 5/11/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Justin Goetting
jgoetting@ku.edu
785-864-7464

$49,000 - 54,000

Monday May 11, 2026

Monday June 1, 2026