Department: Acctg Svcs Res & Spon Prog
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

The Office of Accounting Services for Research and Sponsored Programs (ASRSP) assists university researchers with financial reporting, invoicing, collecting revenue, coordinating audits, and processing transactions related to their sponsored projects.

The Grant and Contract Financial Administrator (GCFA) reviews, prepares and submits periodic, annual, and project end financial reports in accordance with granting agency guidelines and requirements to comply with the specifications research grant awards such as multi-school, multi-institutional proposals in excess of $20M, for all but the most complex submissions.  Including sub-awards, as well as those with moderately-complex contractual flow-through terms. Manages a larger constituency with a moderate degree of complexity in comparison to higher level positions.   

Specific Responsibilities:

• With limited direction, perform all aspects of post award financial management of sponsored projects for a complex portfolio of awards, including financial reporting, monitoring expenditures, and coordinating audit activities. Administers moderately complex awards taking into consideration Principal Investigator's (PI) needs and proactively identifying any special considerations.  Identifies sub-recipients and executes appropriate control and monitoring.  Verifies accuracy of new sponsored project accounts for financial provisions involving the use of funds, cost sharing, reporting deadlines, and proper set up in University financial system.
• Serves as a trainer of post-award sponsored research.  Represents Accounting for Research Sponsored Programs (ASRSP) in meetings in conjunction with more senior ASRSP staff.  Assumes full level of contact with research administrators and faculty.  Handles complex issues with sponsors.
• Focuses on more complex compliance issues such as effort reporting and serves as a resource to more junior staff in this regard.  Determines that all University & sponsor requirements have been met.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field.
• A minimum of three years progressively responsible experience in the administration of sponsored research.
• Demonstrated intermediate level of knowledge of:

• Federal regulations related to research administration, including OMB A-21, A-110, A-133 or the Uniform Guidance
• Other major federal funding agency guidelines
• Major sponsor electronic systems such as Grants.gov
• Financial and/or Sponsored audits
• Ability to write policy and procedure documents

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database and word processing software.
• Experience working with the OMB circulars, Uniform Guidance, and/or sponsored project rules and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three to five years’ experience in central post-award financial administration.
• Previous experience in a higher education setting.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.