Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chemistry Department Grants and Accounts Specialist maintains oversight of all research and financial administration for the Department. The primary duty of the Grants and Accounts Specialist is to provide expert support and consultation for faculty on grants and contracts, both pre- and post-award.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide expert support and consultation to faculty on all Chemistry Department grants and contracts, both pre- and post-award.

• Gather, review, and follow agency guidelines for each grant, including providing expert consultation to faculty on the guidelines.
• Iteratively develop detailed budgets with faculty members applying for federal, non-federal, foundation and industry grants and contracts, including developing various cost scenarios for potential cost sharing, using personnel from other departments, and potential outgoing sub agreements.
• Finalize the budget, including personnel costs, supplies, equipment, travel, cost-sharing, outgoing sub agreements, Facilities & Administration costs, etc.
• Organize and input all other grant or contract submission requirements, including cover page, key personnel, compliance documents, approvals, and verification of conflict of interest compliance.
• Enter applications in RMS, ASSIST, Fastlane and/or Workspace as required.
• Prepare agency proposal and internal documents including proposal certification form, compliance forms, and other forms required by the agency.
• Interact with the offices of Sponsored Projects Accounting (SPA) and the Office of Sponsored Research Services (OSRS) to resolve questions or problems with the grant or contract submissions.
• Work with PIs to resolve issues that arise during the management of sponsored funds.
• Obtain PI approvals for outgoing subaward invoices and process for payment.
• Work with PIs to calculate summer salary requests from sponsored funds.
• Identify progress reports or financial reports due to the agency and notify the PI.
• Prepare budget updates, if necessary, for the progress reports.
• Identify and manage allocations and sourcing for personnel in other departments working on Chemistry Department grants by communicating with other departments/schools to obtain secured payroll information.
• Work with PI, OSRS, and SPA to close out grants at the end of the award period.

2. Work with Chemistry’s Payroll/HR Associate and PIs to plan and carry out sourcing changes and payroll cost transfers.

• Verify anticipated effort for personnel financially supported by grants and input all sourcing and monitor ePARS (personnel activity reporting).
• Work with PIs and Payroll/HR Associate to modify sourcing and file payroll cost transfers.

3. Review and reconcile monthly and annual financial reports for all Chemistry faculty members.

• Produce financial reports, in a variety of formats, personalized for each PI.
• Resolve financial issues in consultation with PI, e.g. journals, payroll cost transfers, reconcile cost sharing, etc.
• Interface with department facilities (storeroom, machine shop, etc.) to provide financial information to PIs regarding their grants and bills to help get bills paid timely.

4. Supervise Grant Assistant.

• Delegate pre-award and post-award grants/contracts duties to Grant Assistant (GA) as needed.
• Train and direct GA in grants administration procedures and policies.

5. Provide assistance to faculty, staff, and students.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field, and four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Very thorough and detail-oriented person with a grasp of the importance of accuracy and deadlines.
• Fundamental knowledge of accounting principles.
• Thorough knowledge of several computer-based systems, such as HRMS, RMS, FIS systems, NSF FastLane, & grants.gov.
• Calm demeanor and sense of urgency in the face of pressure and deadlines.
• Good interpersonal skills to work with faculty, staff, and students.
• Willingness to learn new computer-based systems and become highly proficient in their use.

• Master’s degree and four years of experience in proposal and award management.
• Extensive working knowledge of Washington University financial systems, including HRMS, RMS and FIS.
• Strong knowledge of WU and granting agency regulations and accounting practices.

This position is full-time and works approximately 37.5 hours per week. 

This position is in the Department of Chemistry.  This position is for the Danforth Campus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment within a Chemistry research building; no direct exposure to chemicals.

The hiring range for this position is $54,220 - $68,367 annually.

This position is eligible for full-time benefits.  Please click the following link to view a summary of benefits:  https://wustl.box.com/s/8wkhs25yssf0775x9d6nd6vqa7obpth7.

Please attach a copy of your most current signed performance evaluation (completed within the last 18 months) to your online account.  If you have not received a performance evaluation, you may provide two current signed letters of recommendation (written within the last 18 months), preferably to include one letter from either a current or recent former supervisor.   To attach these documents, go to:  My Career Tools, Add Attachment, Attachment Type – Performance Reviews or Letters of Recommendation.

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. Current employees applying for a new position within the university may be subject to this requirement. The screenings will include a criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.