Description

VCU's Financial Reporting Office has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Cost Accountant to join our team!

VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can't. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Join Our Team

Are you a detail-oriented accounting professional with a passion for higher education and research? We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Cost Accountant to join our finance team. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting the University's financial operations, including cost rate development, tax compliance, and institutional reporting. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy solving complex financial challenges, we encourage you to apply!

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

Summary:

The Senior Cost Accountant provides advanced financial, tax, and analytical support to the University's administration. This role is responsible for developing cost rate proposals, preparing federal tax filings, completing institutional surveys, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The position also supports fringe benefit rate development for both domestic and international operations, including Qatar. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting background, analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across departments to support the University's financial and research operations.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Rate Development

• Assist in the development and preparation of the University's Facilities and Administrative (F&A).
• Cost Rate Proposal in accordance with OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Analyze and evaluate indirect cost pool codes assigned to financial reporting system accounts.
• Calculate F&A cost rate components and prepare required schedules, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Prepare additional analyses requested by the Federal government during the rate negotiation process.

Fringe Benefit Rate Proposal (University & Qatar)

• Collect, analyze, and summarize expenditure data and salary/fringe benefit factors affecting rate components.
• Develop actual fringe benefit rate analysis for federal reporting and proposed rates for sponsored and non-sponsored programs.
• Calculate fringe benefit rate components and prepare required schedules using OMB Circular A-21 methodology.
• Coordinate with other University staff to gather data, ensure accuracy and respond to internal inquiries
• Calculate auxiliary indirect cost charges and post entries to Banner Finance.

Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Prepare the University's Federal Form 990-T (Unrelated Business Income Tax Return), including all related schedules and work papers (e.g., Form 4562, Extension Form 8868).
• Track the return of grant surveys and assess the taxability of commercially sponsored programs.
• Coordinate with University staff to collect necessary data and ensure accurate reporting.
• Ensure timely filing of all tax returns and extensions in compliance with IRS deadlines.

Survey Preparation & Reporting

• Prepare institutional surveys such as the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), National Science Foundation (NSF) Survey, and others as required.
• Develop and submit required schedules in accordance with agency instructions and deadlines.

General Financial Analysis & Support

• Conduct complex financial analyses and cost studies to support University Administration and meet Federal and State agency requirements.
• Interpret and apply complex financial regulations with institution-wide and statewide implications.
• Support special projects that enhance the research and financial operations of the University.

We are hiring for university job titles Financial Management Analyst 1 - Senior Financial Management Analyst 3. The appropriate university job title will be assigned based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

Note to applicants: VCU is transitioning to a new applicant tracking system beginning October 1, 2025. If you apply before that date, you may be asked to resubmit your application in the new system after the system is live. Clear instructions will be provided at that time. We appreciate your understanding during this transition and look forward to reviewing your application.