This is a fixed term appointment through August 31, 2010.

Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.

We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.

Research—the creation of new knowledge—is key to Stanford’s educational mission. Stanford research has led to breakthrough remedies, devices, tools, and concepts, as well as 25 Nobel prizes for Stanford faculty. Among the inventions and discoveries that have resulted from Stanford research are MRI technology, DNA cloning, the Pill, heart transplantation, and digital music.

The Office of Sponsored Research, as part of the Office of Research Administration (ORA) manages the administrative processes related to Stanford’s sponsored research and capital equipment. It manages the entire lifecycle of sponsored research from proposal submission through award closeout. In addition, ORA is responsible for service centers, research compliance, and the development and negotiation of fringe benefit and F&A rates.

As a member of Office of Research Administration Policy and Compliance team, the Accountant is responsible for, but not limited to, clearing and reviewing variances between subledgers (GA and AR) to the GL on all sponsored awards at the award level from the conversion to Oracle Financials through awards ending in fiscal year 2009.

The person in this position will:
• Conduct data collection and transaction review for research and corrective actions.
• Initiate and review journals as assigned ensuring compliance with related polices and procedures.
• Recommend and support “continuous” process analysis and improvement efforts to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency.
• Participate and work closely with the Policy and Compliance AR Special Projects team, the OSR school-based teams, and the ORA Receivables/Cash Management team in resolving and improving account setup, billing and cash receipts to prevent recurring variances.

Qualifications

BA/BS in accounting or related field, or equivalent experience, plus 3-5 years related professional experience. This position requires the application of a strong knowledge of the principles, concepts and theories of accounting and a demonstrated ability to apply accounting practices. The successful candidate will have good knowledge of grant and contract accounting procedures, agency guidelines/regulations and University policies, and will be able to analyze and interpret these complex regulations and policies.

He or she must be sufficiently skilled to independently analyze accounting transactions; to review, analyze and reconcile financial information through the use of various tools such as Excel, ReportMart3, and the Oracle financial system; and to diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision-making abilities. He or she must have excellent client service skills, good oral and written communication skills, the ability to provide clear training for other staff members, and a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.