Director, Sponsored Projects Accounting (Remote) - Washington University in St. Louis
Overview
Washington University is committed to the discovery and dissemination of knowledge in order to improve lives in service of the greater good. Faculty members are globally-recognized leaders in their fields who are engaged in research initiatives that have a direct impact in the St. Louis region, across the country and around the world. The university consistently has more than 30 international research partnerships and more than 3,000 research projects underway each year. In fiscal year 2023, the university had $920M in research grants and contracts. The school of medicine is among the nation’s most dynamic and robust research enterprises and the largest at the university. It is ranked #3 nationally in NIH funding ($569.2M). In total, more than $838.3 million in grants and contracts supported faculty research in the 2022 fiscal year.
The Director of Sponsored Projects Accounting at Washington University 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 of 32 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.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Directs and supports the primary financial management processes such as: financial transaction review and approvals, financial reporting and billing and letters of credit.
- Directs and supports the account set-up process. Monitors 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.
- Directs and supports the cash receipt/posting process and accounts receivables. Monitors receivable aging data and resolve payment issues while engaging academic unit personnel for support as necessary.
- Directs and supports the annual Uniform Guidance, Financial Statement and all other sponsoring agency and/or internal audits. Coordinates the resolution and/or negotiation of audit findings/issues.
- Coordinates and supports 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. Participates 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.
- Interacts and has direct contact with various professionals at funding agencies and within WashU. Maintains knowledge of regulatory and policy changes of federal agencies and pertinent non-federal funding agencies that impact research administration at WashU. Assists with educational classes for the WashU community on research administration topics as needed.
A Bachelor’s degree with five years of progressively responsible experience in administrative or supervisory functions is required; a CPA and/or MBA is preferred. Other preferred qualifications include the 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 and primarily the Grants module; demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage stress in the workplace and maintain a sense of humor.
To learn more about this opportunity, please contact:
Mark Prosperi
Executive Director, Talent Management and Executive Search
Washington University in St. Louis
Email: prosperim@wustl.edu
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