Director of Sponsored Projects Accounting, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture bei The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Strategic Planning & Leadership:

• Provides overall department leadership, direction, and management to optimize efficiency and productivity. 
• Leads strategic planning and operational implementation of post-award systems, processes, and training activities.
• Trains, partners, and leads change management efforts to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, education, and customer service aspects of business processes, systems in sponsored project accounting.
• Identifies and proposes system modifications to minimize obstacles, streamline processes, and increase efficiency of sponsored project-related activities.
• Provides leadership in identifying, evaluating, and deploying best practices and innovative processes to support the education and research missions of UTIA.
• Contributes to the development and reporting of metrics, trends and statistical analysis. Uses this data to recommend and implement process improvements to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and streamline workflow.
• Collaborates with DASH and Huron teams, end users, sponsors, external vendors, and other institutions to leverage technology opportunities for process improvement.
• Interpret laws, regulations, policies, and contractual requirements to ensure compliance in all areas of financial administration.
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure and protect the interests of the Institute of Agriculture and the University of Tennessee.
• Inform, advise, and collaborate with UTIA leadership and external partners to ensure alignment with federal, state and local laws, regulations, and mandates.

Team Management & Supervision:

• Leads a team of 5-6 professional accounting staff.
• Directs the on-boarding and training of new team members.
• Listens, supervises, and fosters teamwork to develop talented, service-oriented professionals.
• Uses knowledge and understanding of complex research regulations to guide decision-making and solve problems.
• Develops cross-training opportunities to ensure critical tasks are covered and professional development opportunities are provided for staff.
• Develops departmental and individual personnel goals.
• Communicates priorities and provides feedback to team members.
• Provides feedback and monitors team goals and portfolio management.
• Conducts employee appraisals to evaluate staff and guide professional development on designed career paths. 
• Evaluates departmental workload and allocation of work assignments.
• Oversees hiring, disciplinary action, and raise recommendations for UTIA Sponsored Projects staff.

Audit & Compliance:

• Conducts and monitors compliance activities to mitigate the risk of financial liability and loss of institutional reputation that could result from federal, 
• state, and private audits.
• Initiates corrective actions to ensure that financial records are presented in conformity with University policies and sponsor regulations.
• Interprets and applies fiscal regulations and guidelines to ensure that all federal, state, and University requirements are met.
• Assesses risk and initiates changes where appropriate to promote quality assurance and reduce financial risk.
• Maintains working knowledge of all current and proposed applicable financial rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Reviews audit-sensitive areas and confirms expenses are allowable, allocable, and reasonable based on regulations, policies, and contractual terms.
• Oversees the coordination of internal and external audits and contributes to the development of corrective action responses.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Engages and collaborates with relevant stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, departmental accounting staff, department heads, UTK campus administration, and system-wide staff to promote, monitor, and train on sponsored project issues, consult on fiscal policy, and recommend changes to enhance fiscal compliance and mitigate risk.
• Collaborates with the UTIA Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure consistent, timely, and accurate financial compliance with federal, state, local, and private agencies.
• Coordinates with General Counsel to develop contractual agreements and to address other legal issues relative to contract language and collection efforts.
• Partners with departments to interpret sponsored project rules and regulations to ensure funds committed to their projects are appropriate.
• Serves as a financial liaison between UTIA personnel, federal and state agency personnel, and external sponsors.
• Serves on various committees to address sponsored project-related issues and consults with subject matter experts on best practices.
• Participates in professional organizations and continuing professional education to stay current on industry issues, best practices, and emerging technologies.

Financial Administration & Oversight:

• Provide strategic oversight of the post-award fiscal administration of all UTIA sponsored projects accounts to ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and effectiveness of post-award accounting functions.
• Responsible for the financial activities of UTIA SPA including the approval of ledger reconciliations, monthly and quarterly invoicing, letter of credit draws, approval of expenditures, HR and payroll transactions, and account close out.
• Develops and manages UTIA Sponsored Projects Accounting operating budget.
• Monitors and manages accounts receivable to ensure follow up and collection of funds.
• Manages numerous and competing deadlines to ensure contractual terms and conditions are met and UTIA is not exposed to financial liability due to missed deadlines.
• Certifies financial documents on behalf of UTIA and certain transactions and entries in DASH and Huron research suite.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: 
  • Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in finance or accounting
• Experience: 
  • 5 years of accounting experience; current experience in post-award, sponsored projects accounting
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
  • Knowledge of research administration issues including financial management and the ability to interpret and communicate federal, state, and local laws and regulations relevant to research administration operations, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of Uniform Guidance.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, including active listening skills, plus the ability to work with a wide-ranging group of faculty, staff, administrators, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage a high-volume of projects simultaneously to meet constant deadlines.
  • Ability to be detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to be flexible, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation. 
  • Skills to be a strong role model, manager, and coach.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service with a commitment to exceptional quality.
  • Ability to think analytically, quantitatively, creatively, and strategically.
  • Skill to be an independent thinker with professional skepticism.
  • Ability to be a team player who works well collectively and collaboratively with colleagues to achieve common goals.
  • Knowledge of SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Master’s Degree with a concentration in finance, accounting, or similar field of study
• Experience: 
  • Sponsored projects accounting experience with agricultural grants and contracts
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Knowledge of UTIA and UTK fiscal, human resource, and research policies.
  • Knowledge of DASH and Huron research suite.
  • Data management and interpretation experience.

Work Location:

• Location: UT-Knoxville Campus 
• Potential for Hybrid work schedule

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR15
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before Wednesday, September 19, 2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is a special place. Here, our world-renowned researchers, educators, and experts create and deliver Real. Life. Solutions. every day that address some of society’s most pressing issues.

As one of the few land-grant university institutes of agriculture in the country, we are uniquely poised to serve Tennessee and beyond. The institute is home to UT AgResearch, UT Extension, the Herbert College of Agriculture, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Together, these units collaborate to create outstanding opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.  

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!