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Research Accountant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Delaware

Research Accountant

Newark, DE · On-site

Research Accountant Job no: 503136 College / VP Area: VP Finance & Deputy Treasurer Work type: Staff Location: Newark, DE Categories: Financial Services and Procurement, Full Time Pay Grade: 30E ...

University of Delaware

Research Accountant

Newark, DE · On-site

Research Accountant Apply now Job no: 503136 College / VP Area: VP Finance & Deputy Treasurer Work type: Staff Location: Newark, DE Categories: Financial Services and Procurement, Full Time Pay Grade ...

Virginia Tech

Research Accountant

Blacksburg, VA

$60K - $70K/yr

Research Accountant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536790 Work type: Staff Senior management: College of Engineering Department: Civil & Environmental Engineering Location: Blacksburg ...

Alfred University

Research Accountant

Alfred, NY · On-site

$74K - $78K/yr

Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA), or CPA preferred * Strong analytical, organizational, budgeting, and ability to handle multiple projects and ...

Alfred University

Research Accountant

Alfred, NY · On-site

Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA), or CPA preferred * Strong analytical, organizational, budgeting, and ability to handle multiple projects ...

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Uses technical knowledge of sponsored research regulations and guidelines and attention to detail ... Works closely with members of Research Accounting department, Sponsored Projects department and ...

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$34K

$68.3K

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How much do research accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for research accountant in the United States is $68,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research accountant?

Research accountants are specialized financial professionals who manage the financial aspects of research projects, typically within universities, hospitals, or research institutions. Their primary duties include budgeting, tracking expenditures, ensuring compliance with grant and funding agency requirements, and preparing financial reports. They collaborate closely with researchers, administrators, and funding bodies to make sure that all financial activities align with regulations and project goals. Their role is essential in maintaining the financial integrity of research initiatives and supporting successful grant management.

How does a research accountant typically collaborate with principal investigators and research teams?

Research Accountants regularly work alongside principal investigators (PIs) and research teams to ensure accurate grant budgeting, compliance, and financial reporting. They help interpret funding agency guidelines, track expenditures, and resolve discrepancies, often serving as the primary point of contact for financial questions related to research projects. Effective communication and relationship-building are crucial, as Research Accountants must balance the needs of the research team with institutional and sponsor policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Accountant, you need a solid background in accounting or finance, often supported by a bachelor's degree and knowledge of grant or fund accounting. Familiarity with financial management systems, grant management software, and compliance tools such as Uniform Guidance is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for navigating complex funding regulations and collaborating with research teams. These abilities ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with funding requirements, and the smooth administration of research projects.

What is the difference between Research Accountant vs Financial Analyst?

AspectResearch Accountant

Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or CMA certifications are common.

Work EnvironmentPrimarily in research institutions, universities, or corporate R&D departments, focusing on financial management of research projects.

Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academia, government agencies, and private research firms to oversee research funding and expenses.

Research Accountants focus on managing and reporting financial aspects of research projects, while Financial Analysts analyze financial data to support investment decisions. Both roles require strong accounting skills, but their primary functions and work environments differ.

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What states have the most Research Accountant jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Research Accountant jobs look for?

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Research Accountant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Accountant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,326 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Research Accountant

Chicago, IL

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
See more jobs at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospitalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Research Accountant is responsible for evaluating, analyzing and reporting on grant and contracts awards and transactions to ensure compliance with accepted procedures and maintain effective budgetary controls. Work activities require the application of involved practices and precedents as well as an increased knowledge of accounting theory and principles. The research accountant position must possess knowledge of fund/grant accounting and generally accepted accounting principles. Requirements include experience with financial analysis, program expense, review reports, budget reviews and financial report and final invoice preparation.


  1. Perform grant-related post-award accounting functions, including award set-up in financial system, award budget distributions, expense analysis, non-standard and final invoicing and financial reporting.
  2. Maintain grant and general award budgets in financial system. Ensure compliance with Lurie Children’s, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute and agency policies and procedures regarding distribution and transfer of funds. Maintain contact with granting agencies to ensure proper use of funding. 
  3. Monitor and assist in resolution of award budget variances.
  4. Reconcile accounts in accordance with pertinent policies and procedures. Ensure transactions are accurately recorded and classified according to standard accounting theory and principles. Analyze and review documents and reports to verify computations and ensure all transactions are properly supported. 
  5. Perform grant closeout functions required by sponsors including reconciliations, financial status reports, final invoices, purchase order liquidations and final reporting; review general ledger transactions to ensure accuracy and complete journal entries.
  6. Creates journal entries to allocate residuals/overdrafts and/or overhead discrepancies to departmental accounts, as a result of reconciliations/closeouts.
  7. Support the sponsored programs department in education and training of principal investigators and administrators; assess needs and resolves issues of the principal investigator related to grants accounting; perform analysis and support for projects.
  8. Maintain knowledge and serve as resource to team on technical matters relating to financials, by keeping up to date with generally-accepted accounting principles (FASB, GAAP, etc.), federal award regulations and Uniform Guidance.
  9. Assist Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager with annual single audit report, agency administrative site visits and monitoring as needed.
  10. Demonstrate knowledge in analyzing and interpreting various agency guidelines, regulations and requirements and Lurie Children’s and Stanley Manne Children Research Institute policies and procedures.

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance required.
  2. Minimum of three years post-award grant management/grant accounting experience in NIH and other federally funded grants or contracts directly for faculty in an academic research/hospital environment is required.
  3. Working knowledge of federal NIH awards, research grant finance, accounts payable, general ledger, payroll, and budgeting preferred.
  4. Ability to work independently as a member of a team and follow through on assignments with minimal direction required.
  5. Ability to work accurately with detailed information required.
  6. Ability to handle high volume of work with changing priorities and constant interruptions and establish priorities and deadlines required.

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