Job Description

Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

The Accountant II is primarily responsible for managing accounts payable for the Office of Technology Management, including vendor invoices, payments, and expense reports, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and financial agreements. This role involves reviewing invoices for accuracy and compliance with not-to-exceed (NTE) limits and ensuring timely processing of payments to vendors such as law firms and other institutions. Additionally, the position involves reconciling accounts payable transactions, preparing financial reports, and supporting internal and external audits.


The role involves collaborating with internal departments and external partners to address financial inquiries and maintain accurate records in both Workday and Cayuse Inventions.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Invoice and Payment Processing

• Review, verify, and process invoices related to patent filings, legal fees, licensing agreements, and other services.
• Ensure accurate recording and approval of invoices before payment processing.
• Process timely payments to vendors, including law firms, researchers, and government agencies.
• Review invoices to verify compliance with the Not-To-Exceed (NTE) amounts specified in purchase orders.
• Process all expense reports for office employees, ensuring compliance with institutional policies.

Vendor and Stakeholder Communication

• Maintain relationships with law firms, government agencies, and internal departments.
• Respond to inquiries from vendors and research faculty regarding payments.
• Coordinate with the licensing and legal teams to ensure accurate financial processing.

Financial Reconciliation and Reporting

• Reconcile accounts payable transactions and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare reports related to patent expenditures, licensing fees, and outstanding payables.
• Collaborate with the finance team to manage month-end and year-end closing activities which includes journal entries.

Additional Duties

• Respond to data requests and generate ad hoc reports for internal departments.
• Cross-train in other technology transfer functions and provide backup support as needed.
• Prepare and review accounting records for internal and external audits.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelorâ™s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (3 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working in a university environment.
• Experience in a technology transfer office or working with intellectual property.
• Familiarity with not-to-exceed (NTE) financial limits and compliance.
• Experience using Cayuse Inventions for intellectual property management.
• Strong attention to detail, financial expertise, and teamwork..

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree - Accounting, Bachelor's degree - Business, Bachelor's degree - Finance

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Analyzing Reports, Communication, Data Analysis, Data Assessment, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, Enterprise Information Systems, Group Problem Solving, High Accuracy, High Reliability, Intellectual Property Management, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, Oral Communications, Organizing, Report Preparation, Self Motivation, Sound Judgment, Spreadsheets, Teamwork, Variance Analysis, Workday, Working Independently, Written Communication

Grade

G10

Salary Range

$49,700.00 - $82,100.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email   [email protected]   or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? Weâ™ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit:

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the Universityâ™s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment â“ fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

About Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis, a medium-sized, independent university, is dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The University offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs. The faculty is composed of scholars, scientists, artists and members of the learned professions. They serve society by teaching; by adding to the store of human art, creativity, understanding, and wisdom; and by providing direct services, such as health care.

Connections working at Washington University in St. Louis

Job Tags

Holiday work, Work experience placement,

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