Accounting Specialist- Social Work Research and Public Service- UTK Position Available In Knox, Tennessee

Accounting Specialist- Social Work Research and Public Service- UTK
University of Tennessee Chattanooga Knoxville, TN Full-time Other
Posted on April 08, 2025
Job Description
The position is a key member of the SWORPS business office responsible for accounting and compliance services including but not limited to processing travel, deposits, department procurement card, procurement card reconciliations, contracts, purchase orders, prior entertainment approvals, internal transfers, vendor setups, AP/AR invoices and petty cash reimbursements. Works to resolve an array of complex, sensitive financial and compliance issues in a short time frame. This position is expected to guide department wide staff on best practices, policies and procedures by acting as a filter in all financial processing. This position will have multiple tasks simultaneously with the expectation each one will be prioritized and driven from start to finish by the deadline. This position will serve as a critical piece of the business office infrastructure to keep projects moving, to support the SWORPS Director of Budget, Finance, and Operations and a foundation to build from for the high growth of the department including multi million dollar contracts.
The position is a key member of the SWORPS business office responsible for accounting and compliance services including but not limited to processing travel, deposits, department procurement card, procurement card reconciliations, contracts, purchase orders, prior entertainment approvals, internal transfers, vendor setups, AP/AR invoices and petty cash reimbursements.
Responsibilities
Accounting
Processes all accounting transactions accurately and timely.
Processes all miscellaneous reimbursements and accounts payable invoices.
Processes all cash deposits.
Responsible for all new vendor creation
Reconcile petty cash accounts.
Oversees all exception requests.
Order supplies
P-card purchases
Process transfer vouchers
Oversees gift card process (requests, ordering, tracking, and monitoring)
Create and amend requisitions.
Manages the SWORPS Chart of Accounts as new projects roll on and old ones come off
Reconciles and evaluates the accuracy of the departmental monthly account ledgers, ensuring appropriate amounts, documentation and expenditure classifications are properly recorded.
Validates that all supporting documentation is available within electronic ledger template for department E accounts, research accounts and gift accounts.
Ensures complete list of active funds are reconciled and submitted for approval.
Monitors electronic workflow to ensure timely completion of approvals is obtained.
Maintain financial documents according to business office procedures
Document procedures with flow charts, checklists, how-to guides, procedures etc. for cross training to ensure continuity
Travel
Serve as primary travel contact for staff in this unit.
Disseminate travel policy or procedure updates to all staff ensuring that travel reimbursements are met in a timely manner.
Train new staff on travel policies, procedures and software
Contract Management
Creates contracts and non-compete justifications for purchases as requested by PIs. Compares requests to approved budgets for grants and contracts and recommends appropriate action to PI’s for compliance.
Requests vendor numbers and completes application setup requirements including completion and review of the worker’s classification questionnaire.
Ensures all information, terms and conditions and pricing are included and properly approved prior to submission to the Treasurer’s Office, including related contract amendments.
Provides related guidance to associates performing purchasing tasks.
Policy Guidance/Communication
Provides information and guidance to staff regarding travel processes, updates to travel policy, and regulations that pertain to this unit.
Attend unit meetings and training to stay informed of changing policies and procedures. Communicate policy and procedural changes to staff in this unit.
Communicate with the College of Social Work (CSW) and many outside departments regarding accounting transactions to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education:

Associates Degree or equivalent combination of training and experience

Experience:

2 years of progressively responsible accounting and administrative experience

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
Excellent communication, customer service and organizational skills.
Ability to multi-task and work independently
Ability to work within a team environment.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field

Experience:

Experience in academic environment

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Knowledge of UT fiscal policies and procedures
Work Location
Knoxville, Position requires in person reporting but has the possibility for being work from home two days a week
Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: 06
Anticipated hiring range: high side of the midpoint
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure Find more information on UT Benefits Application Instructions
Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews can begin as soon as 7 days from posting.
Interested individuals should provide (1) a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required and preferred qualification, (2) a resume, and (3) complete contact information for 3 professional references.
About The College/Department/Division
The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) is an applied research center of the University of Tennessee College of Social Work (CSW). We are a dynamic and close-knit interdisciplinary team of individuals with a shared vision of thriving communities with equitable outcomes for all. We do that by building partnerships that leverage research, technology, and human connection to improve lives in Tennessee and beyond.
Over the past fifty years, SWORPS has worked with local nonprofits such as the United Way of Greater Knoxville, University of Tennessee departments and faculty researchers, state agencies such as the Tennessee Department of Human Services, and federal agencies like the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Our annual portfolio consists of 25-40 sponsored projects spanning a wealth of different content areas, but one common thread -each project contributes one more building block for thriving communities with equitable outcomes for all.
Learn more about SWORPS and some of our programs and resources by visiting our webpage: sworps.tennessee/