Accounting Coordinator (Hybrid)

Northwestern University is seeking an Accounting Coordinator to support grant and contract cash management functions. The role involves financial reporting, invoicing, and coordinating audits for university researchers with sponsored projects.ResponsibilitiesSupports grant and contract cash management function in ASRSP in coordination with central offices such as Sponsored Research, Accounting Services, Purchasing, external payees & payors, and campus schools/departmentsReviews and processes a portfolio of receivable activity for sponsored awards comprised primarily of standard and routine workDetermines when complex issues need to be escalatedProvides transactional oversightApplies industry and professional standards, university policy and procedure, federal and state laws and other regulations (as applicable)Represents &/or guides business area on internal &/or external financial affairs by exchanging informationPrepares materials for annual budget planning such as analysis, budget performance reports & year-end close dataProvides updated budget estimates & account researchEnsures lead schedules are preparedGuides units of responsibility through university budgeting and forecasting processes, reviews budget and forecasting submissionsServes a primary role in the development & implementation of annual budget including fiscal resource allocation of appropriated, discretionary, endowment & gift revenues & expensesCoordinates &/or provides information for annual salary review processCreates daily, monthly &/or annual analysis & reports regarding area/unit, grants &/or awards, accounts, funds, payroll, expense &/or revenue allocation, etcPrepares financial analysis and lead schedules for supplies, equipment, &/or personnel decisionsAssists with monthly/quarterly/annual journal entries, reports and statementsProvides support for annual audit work papersMaintains, and updates financial models and analysisProvides review and oversight of all types of financial transactions some of which may be complex in regard to size or duration of accountEnters individual &/or summary of transactions into journals &/or general ledger or other NU enterprise systemReviews; ensures approval based on alternatives regarding practice & policy; analyzes and classifies transactions in accordance with established chart or coding of accounts; creates new accounts; prepares, processes, reconciles & provides receipts (as appropriate) for transactionsProcesses transfer &/or appropriation charges & may balance &/or close accountsTroubleshoots problems; performs vendor/account research as needed; obtains additional information from or provides instruction & guidance for customers/vendors; corrects or escalatesMaintains Chart of Account listsPrepares & delivers bank depositsAccesses multiple banking systems to process transactions, retrieve information, &/or initiate wire transfersProvides financial policy interpretation to determine the validity of customer requests & ensure complianceContacts outside agencies, banks &/or banking systems to obtain clarification of rules &/or regulationsControls account availability for all chart stringsProvides support for internal audit requestsProvides assistance regarding grant financial administration such as preparing financial information for grant submissionCompletes post award accountingSets-up sub-contracts &/or start-up research accountsModifies grant budgetsReviews, forecasts, and budgets grants performanceCloses grantsApproves expenditures on travel, consulting &/or equipment, along with various forms, such as Intra Institutional Vouchers, Requests for Accounting Corrections, the Research Assistant and Scholarship Appointments, &/or payroll adjustments, in accordance with granting agency guidelines & University policies & proceduresProcesses subcontract payments according to rules & regulations of granting agenciesReconciles subcontract paymentsVerifies payroll funding entriesCorrects charges to various accountsProcesses & presents data & information through the application of database, graphic & spreadsheet softwareObtains data by downloading from enterprise system; develops and runs queriesCompletes special financial projects such as: (enter in explanation of special projects):Performs general office support activitiesAssists with training of new staff membersCreates & provides financial training on practice, procedure, policy &/or laws & regulations to customersSupervises temporary, part-time or work study studentsProvides work direction to othersSupervises other employeesAssists with hiring employeesPerforms other duties as assignedSkillsSuccessful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience1 year financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experienceExcellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing softwareFamiliarity with financial reportingBenefitsHigh-quality health care plansRetirement benefitsTuition discountsFlexible work arrangementsPrograms to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult careEmployee career developmentCompany OverviewNorthwestern University is a private research and teaching university that offers academic programs across various fields of study. It is a sub-organization of Northwestern Athletics. It was founded in 1851, and is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 5001-10000 employees. Its website is https://www.northwestern.edu.Company H1B SponsorshipNorthwestern University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 325 in 2025, 308 in 2024, 280 in 2023, 282 in 2022, 184 in 2021, 155 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.



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