Scheduled Hours
37.5
Position Summary
The Director of Sponsored Projects Accounting at WashU in St. Louis directs and leads the post award financial grants management activities. Responsibilities include overseeing the sponsored financial services operations and leading the staff to provide state of the art research administration support for faculty and staff in pursuing and conducting research and other sponsored activity.
This position serves as an expert for interpreting, explaining and applying governmental research regulations and sponsor policies related to financial administration. The Director is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures and objectives for financial research administration, including developing effective training programs.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Direct and support the primary financial management processes such as: financial transaction review and approvals, financial reporting and billing and letters of credit.
- Direct and support the account set-up process. Monitor metrics and staff to ensure awards are processed in a timely and accurate manner. In coordination with the Office of Sponsored Research Services and WashU IT, maintain integration with the Research Management System (RMS) and provide support and direction on functionality changes and software upgrades.
- Direct and support the cash receipt/posting process and accounts receivables. Monitor receivable aging data and resolve payment issues while engaging academic unit personnel for support as necessary.
- Direct and support the annual Uniform Guidance, Financial Statement and all other sponsoring agency and/or internal audits. Coordinate the resolution and/or negotiation of audit findings/issues.
- Coordinate and support the implementation internal controls and departmental policies and procedures within SPA to ensure that staff are performing their duties in a proper and effective manner. Participate in setting priorities for upgrades and enhancements with the financial systems (Workday, RMS, Monday.com, Sunrise and Cognos) that may affect the workflow or financial data utilized by the SPA teams.
- Interact and has direct contact with various professionals at funding agencies and within WashU. Maintain knowledge of regulatory and policy changes of federal agencies and pertinent non-federal funding agencies that impact research administration at WashU. Assist with educational classes for the WashU community on research administration topics as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
Physical Effort
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
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Progressively Responsible Administrator Or Supervisory Functions (7 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to manage complex operations including organizing and coaching diversified individuals.
- Knowledge of fund accounting, sponsored agreement process (pre- and post-award), Uniform Guidance and other agency specific guidelines.
- Ability to interpret, communicate and apply regulations to/from external sponsoring agency officials, the University’s research community and associated central units.
- Financial management and research administration experience in a large university.
- Thorough knowledge and working experience with the Workday Financial System, primarily the Grants module.
- Progressively responsible management experience.
- Ability to bring a significant understanding of the issues required in the daily operations in a university sponsored research services office.
- Rapid proficiency of university accounting, HR and research administration systems.
- Analytical mind with a high degree of intelligence and the ability to “think on their feet”.
- Ability to research and report upon Federal and private agency accounting, compliance and auditing issues.
- Ability to streamline/automate transaction processing and recording.
- Ability to manage stress in the workplace and maintain a sense of humor.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration
Certifications:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - American Institute of Certified Public Accountants , Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
Work Experience:
No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Skills:
Analytical Thinking, Complexity Management, Employee Management, Financial Management, Financial Reports, Financial Research, Fund Accounting, Grant Administration, Process Automations, Process Streamlining, Quick Thinking, Regulatory Requirements, Research Administration, Sponsored Research, Stress Management, Team Diversity, Transaction Processing, Workday Grants Management
Grade
G17
Salary Range
$110,300.00 - $194,200.00 / 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 and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. 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, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.