Entry Level Research Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Post Award Accountant plays an integral role on the financial team of the Russell Labs Administrative Service Center ("The Hub"), providing fiscal support to the Departments of Entomology, Forest and Wildlife Ecology, and Plant Pathology in support of their research, instructional, and outreach missions.

We are seeking a colleague who is adaptable, collaborative, and motivated to enhance financial reporting and business processes as the University continues to develop and enhance operations within the Workday environment.

This position offers a unique opportunity to provide fiscal support to Russell Lab Departments and faculty for sponsored and non-sponsored funding and works closely with the Russell Labs Financial Manager, Financial Specialist, Post Award Financial Manager, other Hub members, and faculty.

Successful candidates for this position will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Customer service focus with the ability to provide accurate, responsive support and work collaboratively among unique groups
• Ability to multitask and independently determine priorities
• A strong financial or post-award background
• Effective organizational skills and attention to detail

• Assists in preparing departmental budgets and financial projections

• Reviews and/or approves financial transactions such as billing, cost allocations, cost transfers, refunds, payments, and the fiscal closeout of sponsored and non-sponsored funds on behalf of Russell Labs while ensuring compliance with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements

• Prepares and analyzes financial data and schedules, reviews financial expenditures for accuracy and allowability, identifies and communicates discrepancies, and investigates, recommends, and implements solutions as needed

• In collaboration with the Financial Manager and the Post-Award Financial Manager, assist Principal Investigators with the financial management of sponsored and non-sponsored funds

• In consultation with the Financial Manager and Department Administrator, assists in preparing departmental budgets and financial projections

• Assists principal investigators with financial management of non-sponsored budgets and day-to-day fiscal transactions

• Prepares and processes financial reporting and/or invoicing information

• Reviews financial expenditures for accuracy on sponsored grants and contracts

• Serves as a financial resource in answering questions and ensures compliance with university policies and procedures and with award terms and conditions

• Assists principal investigators with financial management of sponsored program budgets and directs day-to-day fiscal transactions

• Serve as the Russell Labs subject matter expert for internal and external non-sponsored billing

• Provides expertise and advice related to procurement and allowable charges

Russell Labs Admin Service Center

The starting salary for this position is $80,000 annually, however, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: 2026 Benefits Summary-Faculty, Academic Staff, Limited Appointees

• Minimum of two (2) years of financial management or post award accounting experience in a higher education, governmental or nonprofit setting
• Demonstrated experience preparing account reconciliations or financial schedules
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and prior experience incorporating formulas (Lookups, Sumifs, Index, Match, etc.) into spreadsheets

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal award compliance requirements and sponsor terms and conditions
• Demonstrated experience creating and analyzing financial reports
• Understanding of the full, post-award life cycle including expense and variance monitoring, no-cost extensions, re-budgeting, and closeout procedures
• Knowledge of UW Business & Finance or Research policies and procedures
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

• Associate degree in finance, accounting or business-related field required
• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or business-related field preferred

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field. All listed application materials must be received to be considered.

Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

For questions, please contact Jared Slagle at jslagle2@wisc.edu.

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

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