Manager, Accounting & Finance

Manager, Accounting & Finance

Open Date  | 08/29/2025
Requisition Number  | PRN42976B
Job Title  | Manager, Accounting & Finance
Working Title  | Manager, Research Costing
Job Grade  | F
FLSA Code  | Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?  | No
Standard Hours per Week  | 40
Full Time or Part Time?  | Full Time
Shift  | Day
Work Schedule Summary  | Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00
VP Area  | President
Department  | 00359 - Grants & Contracts Accounting
Location  | Campus
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | $102,709
Close Date  | 11/29/2025
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |

Job Summary  | The University of Utah is recognized as one of the nation’s premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. Within this vibrant environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a vital role in ensuring that research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability.

We are expanding our financial post-award team significantly to support the University’s growing research portfolio, and it is an exciting time to join us. The Manager for Research Costing will directly contribute to this mission by overseeing the University’s indirect cost recovery mechanisms and leading compliance for Service and Recharge Centers. This role requires deep knowledge of federal costing principles, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to anticipate and proactively respond to a rapidly evolving F&A policy landscape.

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling accounting and finance functions related to the development, submission and negotiation of the University’s Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate proposal. The Manager will also oversee compliance and policy administration for Service & Recharge Centers, ensuring alignment with federal costing principles, institutional policy, and audit standards. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem solver with the ability to lead teams, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and advance process improvements that strengthen the University’s financial and compliance infrastructure.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong customer-service mindset, be a proactive problem solver, and bring experience leading teams in a dynamic, compliance-driven environment where accuracy and timeliness are critical. This position is supervisory and will oversee a team of analysts. The role will also be responsible for developing, tracking, and reporting new key performance indicators (KPIs) for research accounts receivable at both the team and institutional levels. Candidates with prior experience in research administration—particularly in the billing and receivables space—are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities  | Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
DisclaimerThis job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions Oversees preparation, submission, and negotiation of the University’s F&A rate proposal, ensuring compliance with federal cost principles, audit requirements, and institutional objectives. Monitors evolving federal guidance and policy changes related to indirect cost recovery; proactively develops institutional strategies and communicates impacts to leadership. Provides oversight, policy development, and compliance monitoring for Service and Recharge Centers, ensuring proper rate setting, cost allocation, and alignment with institutional and federal standards. Leads data analytics and reporting functions related to costing, including development of models, dashboards, and reports that inform leadership decisions. Advises University leadership and working groups on data infrastructure and chart of accounts design to support institutional costing strategies. Leads, mentors, and evaluates assigned staff; fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development. Partners with faculty, administrators, and central offices to address complex costing issues, ensuring both compliance and support for the University’s research mission. Identifies opportunities for process improvement and technology enhancements; leads or participates in initiatives to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in costing operations. Represents Research Management & Compliance on University-wide committees and working groups related to costing, F&A, and recharge policy. Promotes RMC’s mission and vision by fostering cooperative relationships and strengthening the University’s reputation for excellence in research administration and financial stewardship. 

Problem Solving
This position requires the ability to analyze complex and often ambiguous issues that arise in the administration of research costing. Unlike standard financial management roles, this position must navigate the interplay of evolving federal policies, complex institutional cost structures, and competing priorities across academic, research, and administrative units.

 The Manager must exercise sound judgment in applying institutional policy, sponsor regulations, and federal cost principles to novel situations, often developing solutions where no clear precedent exists. The role requires anticipating and interpreting the downstream impacts of federal and institutional policy changes on indirect cost recovery, Service and Recharge Center operations, and overall research funding sustainability.

Problems are escalated to senior leadership only when they involve changes to institutional policy, significant financial risk, or issues outside established federal or sponsor guidelines.
 
Comments Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically requiredNearly Continuously: Office environment.Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be requiredNearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications  | Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences  | Experience working with PeopleSoft or a comparable ERP financial system Prior experience in the development and/or negotiation of an F&A proposal Knowledge of federal cost principles (Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards) and their application in higher education Experience managing or auditing Service and Recharge Centers Strong background in data analytics; SQL proficiency or a degree in data/analytics, information systems, or related field Demonstrated skill in financial modeling, cost allocation, and translating complex financial data into actionable insights Experience advising senior leadership on financial data infrastructure, including chart of accounts design to support costing functions Supervisory or team-lead experience, with demonstrated ability to coach and develop staff Strong customer-service orientation, with proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups Proactive problem-solving skills, with a record of improving processes and implementing solutions in a complex organization Master’s degree in a related area
Type  | Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary  |
Additional Information  | The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.utah.edu/safetyreport This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

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Applicant Documents

 University Human Resource Management 
 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu