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Cost Accountant Senior

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

We are seeking a **Senior Cost Accountant** to join the cost accounting team in Financial Operations. Under direction of Cost Reimbursement Office leadership, this position is responsible for a broad range of cost accounting activities, including data analysis, indirect cost proposal preparation and training.

Please note: We have posted this position as a Senior Cost Accountant but could opt to underfill at the Intermediate Cost Accountant level. The selected candidate will be offered the position at the senior or intermediate level based on their overall qualifications and experience in areas directly relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

Responsibilities*

+ Develop the university's federal facilities and administrative (F&A) indirect cost rates using the Comprehensive Rate Information System and prepare supporting schedules and analysis. This includes preparation of the comprehensive F&A rate proposal submission in accordance with OMB Uniform Guidance requirements when due (typically every three to four years) as well as ongoing analysis and modeling of underlying rate components for purposes of communicating relevant trends to leadership on an annual basis.

+ Reconcile data inputs from the Comprehensive Rate Information System to the university's general ledger.

+ Perform analytical reviews and provide training to ensure appropriate university-wide accounting and functional class code assignment for expenditures in accordance with university policies and federal cost accounting standards.

+ Develop and maintain complex data models and cost studies, analyze large data sets, identify trends in data, draw conclusions, present results and develop follow up analyses.

+ Work closely with key business partners including Sponsored Programs, the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, the Office of Space Analysis and other department/unit offices to ensure a clear understanding of university cost accounting policies.

+ Provide campus-wide input and customer service on matters impacting cost accounting and F&A rates, including guidance on emerging Federal regulations and costing issues.

+ Partner with the university community to identify opportunities to enhance processes, training and communication associated with cost accounting practices.

+ Communicate sensitive business matters, complex issues and options to varied audiences.

+ Lead and participate in special projects, including ad-hoc reports and analysis, potential enhancements to the general ledger and other software applications and business process improvements for cost accounting functions.

+ Attend peer group meetings and professional development conferences to keep current on cost accounting standards, best practices and resources.

+ Assist with the evaluation of potential changes to federal regulatory guidance surrounding the cost reimbursement process, including updates to the Uniform Guidance. Responsibilities include updating cost allocation processes and procedures, ensuring ongoing compliance with revised federal and institutional guidelines, reconciling changes in cost pools and allocations, and collaborating closely with departmental and central offices to support effective adoption and consistent application of the new model.

Required Qualifications*

+ Bachelor's degree in Accounting.

+ Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of cost accounting standards and relevant regulatory requirements.

+ Three to five years of progressively challenging experience in financial accounting and/or analysis, with an emphasis in financial/management reporting with a proven track record of success.

+ Experience working with complex financial and administrative information systems (Oracle PeopleSoft helpful), relational databases, query tools (e.g. BusinessObjects) and spreadsheets used to model and analyze data.

Desired Qualifications*

+ Experience with F&A software packages such as the Comprehensive Rate Information System. Knowledge of fund accounting and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

+ Experience with systems implementations and/or business process redesign.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position. As part of the University of Michigan Finance Division's Future of Work initiative, work may be onsite or hybrid (both onsite work and remotely) based on the business needs of this position. Currently this position is primarily remote.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Additional Information

CHARACTERISTICS:

+ Strong analytical, organizational and leadership skills.

+ Outstanding communicator, with strong writing and speaking skills, who is inclusive and engaging with a wide range of individuals and groups across all levels of a large organization.

+ Ability to assess competing priorities, manage workflow and meet operational deadlines.

+ Proven success in collaboration and consensus building.

+ Ability to create and manage a positive environment for change.

+ Customer focus and proven ability to create a culture of customer service.

+ Proven ability to work across multiple functions and levels of a large, complex organization and demonstrated success

SALARY:

Underfill Statement: We have posted this position as a Cost Accountant Senior ($80,000- $100,000) but could opt to underfill at a Cost Accountant Intermediate level ($70,000- $90,000). The candidate will be offered the position at the senior or intermediate level based on their overall qualifications and experience in areas directly relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

271778

Working Title

Cost Accountant Senior

Job Title

Cost Accountant Senior

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Financial Operations

Department

FinOps Fin Repts & CRO

Posting Begin/End Date

12/19/2025 - 1/23/2026

Salary

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00

Career Interest

Finance