Job Details

Research Cost Accountants

Position Number: 6751384
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Business - Accounting

Research Cost Accountants

Job Summary

The University of Utah is recognized as one of the nation's premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. Within this vibrant environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a vital role in ensuring that research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability.

We are expanding our financial post-award team significantly to support the University's growing research portfolio, and it is an exciting time to join us. The Cost Accountant will directly contribute to this mission performing analysis of the University's indirect cost recovery mechanisms and compliance for Service and Recharge Centers. This role requires knowledge of federal costing principles, exceptional analytical skills, and the ability to anticipate and proactively respond to a rapidly evolving F&A policy landscape.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Plan, conduct, and participate in analysis of cost assignments, ensuring that all assigned projects adhere to accepted cost accounting standards. Recommend changes in cost accounting methods, procedures, and systems. Conduct cost audits and variance analysis, and act as liaison with other departments.
Assist with the preparation of the University's F&A rate proposal, ensuring compliance with federal cost principles, audit requirements, and institutional objectives.
Provide oversight, policy development, and compliance monitoring for Service and Recharge Centers, ensuring proper rate setting, cost allocation, and alignment with institutional and federal standards.
Partner with campus to expand the Service Recharge Center compliance program.
Partners with faculty, administrators, and central offices to address complex costing issues, ensuring both compliance and support for the University's research mission.
Assists with the development and delivery of comprehensive training programs for principal investigators, department administrators, and central office staff.
Participates in opportunities for process improvements and technology enhancement; participates in initiatives to streamline workflows and improve efficiency in costing and Service Recharge operations.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Accountants (Cost), II: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.Assumes work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience).
Accountants (Cost), III: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.Assumes work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience).

Preferences

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN43679B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 and flexible around core hours. Hybrid acceptable.
Department: 00359 - Grants & Contracts Accounting
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $60,000 to $80,000
Close Date: 1/15/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/192583