Inside Higher Ed
Research Accountant 1
Redwood City, California; Hybrid or remote work eligible; Pacific Time zone scheduling.
Job Purpose As a member of the Office of Research Administration, the Research Accountant will be part of the Sponsored Receivables Management (SRM) team and responsible for financial collections of outstanding receivables and payment applications. The role will use the financial systems to ensure that accounting administration operates efficiently and in accordance with University policies and business processes. The Research Accountant reports to the Director and works closely with Receipts, Collections, departmental financial administrators, and funders/sponsors.
Core Duties
Review and interpret legal documents for financial terms and conditions, including billing requirements, reporting, and spending restrictions.
Research and review payments received and apply payments in the financial systems.
Review aging reports and follow up on outstanding receivables balances by calling or emailing to determine reasons for delay or payment rejection.
Collaborate with Institutional Representatives, Department Financial Administrators, Billing, Receipts, and Collection Accountants to ensure timely and accurate application of funds to the correct awards and compliance with funder/sponsor requirements and university policies.
Work with research accountants during final award/project closeout to ensure all outstanding receivables have been applied timely and accurately.
Review account reports and ensure timely payment applications.
Assist with payment applications.
Respond to collection status inquiries and recommend write‑off actions.
Actively participate in testing of new systems and process improvement and provide feedback.
Other duties may also be assigned.
Minimum Requirements Four‑year college degree and three years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of contract and grant procedures and ability to apply accounting practices.
Strong understanding of accounting principles, concepts, and theories.
In-depth knowledge of Oracle or similar accounting systems and their impact on reporting, billing, and recovering costs.
Knowledge of Stanford research administration processes, particularly post‑award research administration.
Experience with OMB Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standard (CAS), and GAAP.
Strong working knowledge of Excel.
Experience with Oracle and/or Stanford systems.
Ability to independently diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision‑making skills.
Proficient in independently analyzing accounting transactions and reconciling financial information.
Strong customer‑service skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues and clients.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Build and maintain positive working relationships across departments and process partners.
Demonstrate constructive behavior, positivity, and serve as a good example for staff.
Extremely detail oriented, able to work independently and know when to seek assistance.
Maintain high accuracy under tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks.
Certifications and Licenses None.
Physical Requirements
Frequently perform desk‑based computer tasks, seated work and light/fine grasping.
Occasionally use a telephone, stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
Rarely lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
University provides reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities for essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions
May involve occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.
Work Standards
Demonstrate interpersonal skills in working with Stanford colleagues, clients, and external organizations.
Promote a culture of safety by demonstrating commitment to personal responsibility and safety values, communicating safety concerns, and using safe behaviors.
Expect compliance with University policies and procedures, including personnel policies and the Administrative Guide.
Compensation and Benefits The expected pay range for this hybrid position is $86,000 to $88,000 per annum. For remote positions, the range is $64,763 to $88,000 per annum. Compensation is based on location of the successful candidate and factors such as scope and responsibilities, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay. Stanford University offers a comprehensive rewards package detailed on the Cardinal at Work website.
EEO Statement Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation requests during the application or hiring process, please submit a contact form.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4471
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: H
Requisition ID: 107203
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible, Remote Eligible, On‑Site
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Job Purpose As a member of the Office of Research Administration, the Research Accountant will be part of the Sponsored Receivables Management (SRM) team and responsible for financial collections of outstanding receivables and payment applications. The role will use the financial systems to ensure that accounting administration operates efficiently and in accordance with University policies and business processes. The Research Accountant reports to the Director and works closely with Receipts, Collections, departmental financial administrators, and funders/sponsors.
Core Duties
Review and interpret legal documents for financial terms and conditions, including billing requirements, reporting, and spending restrictions.
Research and review payments received and apply payments in the financial systems.
Review aging reports and follow up on outstanding receivables balances by calling or emailing to determine reasons for delay or payment rejection.
Collaborate with Institutional Representatives, Department Financial Administrators, Billing, Receipts, and Collection Accountants to ensure timely and accurate application of funds to the correct awards and compliance with funder/sponsor requirements and university policies.
Work with research accountants during final award/project closeout to ensure all outstanding receivables have been applied timely and accurately.
Review account reports and ensure timely payment applications.
Assist with payment applications.
Respond to collection status inquiries and recommend write‑off actions.
Actively participate in testing of new systems and process improvement and provide feedback.
Other duties may also be assigned.
Minimum Requirements Four‑year college degree and three years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong knowledge of contract and grant procedures and ability to apply accounting practices.
Strong understanding of accounting principles, concepts, and theories.
In-depth knowledge of Oracle or similar accounting systems and their impact on reporting, billing, and recovering costs.
Knowledge of Stanford research administration processes, particularly post‑award research administration.
Experience with OMB Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standard (CAS), and GAAP.
Strong working knowledge of Excel.
Experience with Oracle and/or Stanford systems.
Ability to independently diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision‑making skills.
Proficient in independently analyzing accounting transactions and reconciling financial information.
Strong customer‑service skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues and clients.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Build and maintain positive working relationships across departments and process partners.
Demonstrate constructive behavior, positivity, and serve as a good example for staff.
Extremely detail oriented, able to work independently and know when to seek assistance.
Maintain high accuracy under tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks.
Certifications and Licenses None.
Physical Requirements
Frequently perform desk‑based computer tasks, seated work and light/fine grasping.
Occasionally use a telephone, stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
Rarely lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
University provides reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities for essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions
May involve occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.
Work Standards
Demonstrate interpersonal skills in working with Stanford colleagues, clients, and external organizations.
Promote a culture of safety by demonstrating commitment to personal responsibility and safety values, communicating safety concerns, and using safe behaviors.
Expect compliance with University policies and procedures, including personnel policies and the Administrative Guide.
Compensation and Benefits The expected pay range for this hybrid position is $86,000 to $88,000 per annum. For remote positions, the range is $64,763 to $88,000 per annum. Compensation is based on location of the successful candidate and factors such as scope and responsibilities, qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay. Stanford University offers a comprehensive rewards package detailed on the Cardinal at Work website.
EEO Statement Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation requests during the application or hiring process, please submit a contact form.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4471
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: H
Requisition ID: 107203
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible, Remote Eligible, On‑Site
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