RSCH ADM 4 RP

JOB SUMMARY

The RSCH ADM 4 serves as a Senior Research Finance Analyst (RFA) in the Division of Prevention Science within the Department of Medicine. This role provides advanced analytical, financial, and operational support across the full lifecycle of research funding, including award management, closeout for federal, state, local, and private sponsors, and assistance with proposal development.

The incumbent independently manages a high-volume, complex portfolio of contracts and grants, applying advanced knowledge of research administration, financial analysis, and compliance requirements. Responsibilities include supporting proposal development and budget preparation; reviewing and advising on institutional and sponsor requirements; and managing post-award financial activity, reporting, and closeout.

This role performs in-depth analysis of complex grants, contracts, and subawards, requiring evaluation of multiple variables and funding mechanisms (e.g., multi-project awards, task-based budgets, option years, and collaborations with multiple investigators and institutions). Ensures compliance with institutional policies and sponsor regulations while supporting effective financial stewardship of research funds.

The Senior RFA serves as a key resource to faculty and administrative staff, providing guidance on complex research administration matters and may review or approve transactions on behalf of less experienced staff. May be eligible for delegated signature authority and may serve as a technical lead in specialized areas (e.g., federal awards, subcontracts, or systems). The role may also lead projects or provide functional oversight to other analysts.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Lead financial planning, budget development, and post-award management for a complex portfolio of contracts and grants, including federal (e.g., NIH), industry, clinical trials, subcontracts, fellowships, gifts, endowments, and discretionary funds.

Independently manage and analyze award budgets to ensure expenditures align with sponsor terms, university policies, and applicable regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance, CAS), minimizing audit risk.

Develop financial forecasts and monthly projections; monitor budgets and expenditures, identify variances, and implement corrective actions in collaboration with principal investigators (PIs) and department leadership.

Serve as a key advisor to PIs and administrative leadership on complex research administration and financial matters; provide guidance on policy interpretation and best practices.

Prepare, review, and approve financial transactions (e.g., cost transfers, journals, payroll distributions), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.

Oversee award lifecycle activities, including reporting, invoicing, and closeout; coordinate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Office of Sponsored Research, Contracts & Grants Accounting) and external sponsors.

Partner with pre-award teams to support proposal development, budget preparation, and post-submission activities (e.g., no-cost extensions, carryforward requests, progress reporting, Other Support documentation).

Manage subcontract and consultant financial activity, including invoice review and coordination with central offices.

Ensure accurate and complete financial data management across systems; reconcile ledgers and maintain documentation to support audits.

Serve as division lead for audits, ensuring readiness and acting as primary point of contact for internal and external reviewers.

Develop and deliver training, tools, and process improvements to enhance financial management and research administration efficiency across the division.

Contribute to special projects and strategic financial initiatives as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in finance or related field, and 5+ years post-award experience or equivalent combination of experience / training.
• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated advanced competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Ability to interpret policy for others.
• Excellent computer skills and facility with using Excel (sorting, pivot tables, filtering, basic formulas).

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in finance or related field, and 5+ years post-award experience or equivalent combination of experience / training.
• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated advanced competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Ability to interpret policy for others.
• Excellent computer skills and facility with using Excel (sorting, pivot tables, filtering, basic formulas).