Job No. 157787
- Job Title:
- Senior Accountant, IIHR – Hydroscience and Engineering
- Employer:
-
University of Iowa
- Location:
-
Iowa City , IA
- Posting Date:
- 12-Feb-2026
- Description:
-
The Senior Accountant will contribute to the research mission of IIHR – Hydroscience and Engineering by providing accounting and post-award grant management support requiring a high degree of organizational and problem-solving skills. Funding sources include a broad range of sponsors such as federal, state and local government agencies, corporations, foundations, utilities, municipalities, engineering firms, and more. This person will be responsible for oversight of account balances for large budgets, salary release accounts, as well as cost share commitments and reconciliation of expenditures. This position is also responsible for generating cost projections, initiating complex and/or specialized original and correcting journal entries, and processing transactions for monthly recharge equipment and processing monthly salary distribution for IIHR.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
Specific Job Duties and Tasks:
Prepare financial information for CoE and departmental budgets using GL, MAUI, APPO, CumComp, EFR, and HR Reports.
Prepare accounting reports for other departments or units outside CoE as requested.
Complete complex and non-routine reconciliations.
Significant involvement as a support role in month-end and budget year- end accounting and reporting.
Perform complex routine and ad-hoc variance analysis.
Prepare highly specialized reports that may involve establishing new processes.
Working knowledge of GAAP accounting standards.
Oversee awarded budgets for grant, contract, and sub-award proposals, renewals, and periodic reports in accordance with federal, UI, and private foundations policies/deadlines.
Initiate complex and/or specialized original and correcting journal entries using GL Journal Entry.
Initiate requests to the HR transaction hub for changes to salary appointments in order to reflect employee effort on projects.
Provide functional coaching and individual tutorial training to faculty and staff within departments on financial systems and financial policies and procedures to assure outcomes are achieved.
Interact with departmental administrators and principal investigators from other departments; interact with Grant Accounting, Division of Sponsored Programs, Accounts Payable, and Program Officers.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact [email protected]
About the College of Engineering
The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to producing knowledge that addresses grand challenges in advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment. We pride ourselves on producing ethical, globally aware engineers whose work makes the world safer and more efficient. As a center of innovation and discovery, the College of Engineering is committed to improving the quality of life for our Iowa community, as well as for people across the United States and around the world.
We uphold the values of respect, community, and collaboration in all our endeavors, fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where members are valued and supported. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive environment that values work-life balance and personal well-being. The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellness resources, dual career support, and opportunities for professional development. Learn more about working at the University of Iowa: Build A Career/Build a Life.
Education Requirement:
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications:
A minimum 2 of years of accounting, budget and/or financial analysis experience.
Excellent written and verbal skills, as demonstrated at a working proficiency level.
Proficient in computer software applications of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Strong customer service orientation.
Evidence of strong organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Desired Qualifications:
1 year experience working with grants and contracts.
Working experience in performing account reconciliations.
Working knowledge of automated accounting systems
Working knowledge of university policies, procedures, and regulations.
Knowledge of federal, state, local, and private funding agencies, policies, and regulations.