Grants Specialist II (Remote) - Sponsored Projects Accounting

Posted:
4/14/2026, 5:57:46 AM

Location(s):
Missouri, United States ⋅ St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Accounting

Workplace Type:
Remote

Scheduled Hours

40

Position Summary

The Grant Specialist provides guidance and technical expertise to the University’s research community in areas such as; Reporting, Invoicing, Transactional Approval and Regulatory Compliance. The Grant Specialist works independently, enforces compliance and provides expert advice and training to faculty and administrators related to internal University/School and external agency procedures and policies related to research administration.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the regulatory and legal framework and vast compliance rules affecting federal and non-federal sponsored research agreements.

  • Interpret external agency guidelines and advise administrators and faculty regarding the allowability and allocability of direct costs to grants, contracts and sub-agreements.

  • Provide detail-oriented review, timely and accurate preparation, and submission of interim, annual, and final financial reports and invoices.

  • Review salary and stipends for compliance with grant requirements and maintain confidentiality regarding the data.

  • Process complex adjusting entries and budget carryover entries.

  • Monitor and coordinate multiple reporting due dates and focus activities on the reports for complex projects (multiple PI, subcontracts, training grants…).

  • Closeout accounting records for expiring grants. Follow-up with departments on outstanding issues that pertain to the report and/or invoice submission and closing process. Maintain documentation on correspondence with departments and external sponsors.

  • Review expenditures for adherence to Federal regulations, agency requirements, award conditions, and University policies.

  • Reconcile accounting records to ensure all costs are included on the financial report and/or invoice and closeout accounting records for expiring grants and contracts.

  • Communicate and follow up with departments and/or faculty members on FFR submission or invoice and closing process issues. Maintain documentation on correspondence with departments and sponsoring agencies.

  • Review and approve all transactions related to assigned grant portfolio to ensure compliance with University and sponsor guidelines. Primary issues involve sufficient justification, date of discovery, reasonableness, timelines, and department approvals.

  • Review transactions at daily scheduled intervals. Approval/disapproval should be initiated within one business day.

  • Contact and communicate with departments to resolve compliance issues regarding these transactions.

  • Monitor monthly exception reports.

  • Review and approve Administrative Cost Exception forms.

  • Assist with gathering detail support for audits as needed.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment

Physical Effort

  • Typically sitting at a desk or a table

  • Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement

Equipment

  • Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (2 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Accounting System, Analytical Thinking, Computer Literacy, Customer Service, Data Reporting, Deadline Management, Detail-Oriented, Faculty Management, Financial Information, Grant Funding, Grants Accounting, Internet Research, Managing Ambiguity, Multitasking, Oral Communications, Organizational Processes, Prioritization, Professional Judgement, Project Administration, Sponsored Research, Word Proccessing, Working Independently, Written Communication

Grade

G11

Salary Range

$53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an 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.

Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.