Accountant III

Support sound financial stewardship, sponsored research, and departmental operations in a dynamic university environment.

  • 522280
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Engineering Business Office
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Regular)
  • Closing at: Oct 4 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative accountant III to provide comprehensive fiscal, sponsored-project, procurement, payroll and human resources support. This position plays an important role in ensuring accurate financial management, regulatory compliance, effective resource planning, and responsive service to faculty, staff, principal investigators and departmental leadership.

Key Responsibilities
• Financial Administration & Budget Management — Develop and monitor budgets and financial projections; analyze expenditures, balances and variances; ensure accurate, timely and compliant financial activity; prepare reports and advise faculty, staff and leadership on fiscal status and projected needs.
• Sponsored Projects Administration — Manage post-award financial activities for sponsored projects and matching accounts, including budgets, expenditures, commitments, reconciliations, reporting, corrections and closeout. Ensure transactions and documentation meet sponsor and university requirements and support audits and compliance reviews.
• Procurement, Travel & Fiscal Support — Review and process procurement, travel, payment, and vendor transactions for accuracy, funding, and compliance. Provide guidance on fiscal procedures and systems, including Concur, and coordinate with central offices to resolve issues.
• HR & Payroll Administration — Manage assigned personnel and payroll actions, including position changes, searches, hiring, onboarding and related transactions. Ensure HR and financial records remain accurate and current and comply with applicable regulations.
• Departmental & Special Projects Support — Support year-end activities, audits, special projects and other departmental and college business needs as assigned.

The ideal candidate will combine strong financial analysis skills, attention to detail, sound judgment and a commitment to customer service. Success in this role requires the ability to interpret complex financial information, manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and work independently while collaborating across university offices.

About Us

The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is dedicated to driving innovation and preparing the next generation of technological leaders. With 15 undergraduate, 11 master’s and 8 doctoral degree programs, the college is meeting growing demand for skilled professionals and advancing knowledge to benefit society. As a premier institution, our mission is to educate and empower students to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world. Learn more at https://engg.k-state.edu/.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits.

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:

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
  • Relevant professional experience in accounting, financial administration, budgeting, auditing, or sponsored project administration.
  • Experience with university financial systems, sponsored research administration, procurement, travel, or related business processes.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience with financial databases or accounting systems.

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:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Three professional references with contact information

Application Window

Applications close on: Oct. 4, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$52,000 - $57,000 annually

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.