Accountant III

About This Role

Kansas State University serves as the management entity for the the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Cereals (Cereals Lab) funded by the U.S. Government. This position provides advanced financial administration, accounting oversight, and post-award management support for complex sponsored projects and multiple program accounts across several countries and institutions. The Accountant III ensures accurate financial management, compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor regulations, and effective coordination of fiscal operations to support program objectives and successful administration of Cereals Lab.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Administer and oversee complex post-award financial activities for sponsored projects, grants, and assigned accounts in accordance with university policies, sponsor guidelines, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Manage account setup, budget monitoring, expense tracking, reconciliations, and financial analysis for assigned funds and projects.
• Review, approve, and reconcile financial transactions and expenditures for allowability, allocability, accuracy, and compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
• Monitor budgets and financial activity to ensure expenditures remain within approved funding limits and align with project objectives.
• Prepare and assist with financial reporting, invoicing, budget projections, cost transfers, and award closeout activities.
• Coordinate and monitor subaward financial activity, including invoice review, budget tracking, compliance monitoring, and documentation maintenance.
• Maintain detailed financial records and supporting documentation to ensure audit readiness and compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Submit sponsor-required financial reports, monitor cost share and match requirements, and coordinate purchasing of project-related equipment and supplies.
• Track project timelines, reporting deadlines, and compliance requirements to ensure timely completion of all financial and administrative obligations.
• Research and resolve complex accounting discrepancies, funding
• Serve as a financial liaison between faculty, department staff, Sponsored Programs Accounting, Pre-Award Services, Financial Services, and other university administrative offices regarding accounting and sponsored project activities.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty and staff on financial policies, grant accounting procedures, budgeting practices, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure adherence to university, sponsor, state, and federal accounting regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Assist with development, implementation, and improvement of internal accounting procedures and financial processes to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and internal controls.
• Support departmental financial planning, sponsored project administration, and strategic initiatives related to funding and fiscal operations.

About Us

We're proud to be recognized as one of the nation's top ag schools. It's an outgrowth of our dedication to advancing the science of agriculture and the art of teaching. Our faculty truly care about students, colleagues and the world we serve. Every day, we put our hands and minds together to work on better ways to achieve sustainability, feed billions, build agribusinesses and improve lives with thoughtful, well-researched use of plants, animals, numbers and words. Visit our website to learn more, https://www.ag.k-state.edu/

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and three years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in accounting, business, finance or related discipline or Master's degree in business administration.
• University post-award grant experience.
• Knowledge of budget/accounting and procurement practices, procedures, and principles.
• Proven ability and experience in compilation, analysis, and interpretation of financial reports.
• Experience with responsibilities requiring attention to detail and applying independent judgment with a high degree of accuracy and accountability.
• Inquisitive, comfortable, and experienced in performing in-depth research.
• Proven organizational skills with ability to meet tight deadlines and work independently.
• Experience responding to needs and requests of a wide range of clients in a friendly and effective communication style.
• Experience working on a successful team and demonstrated commitment to a team atmosphere.
• Experience complying with federal, state, and university regulations and policies.
• Previous experience with international programs, partners, and federal funding agencies.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Contact information for three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: June 15, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,486 - $59,000