Manager, Research Accounting, Research Office

Overview

Job no: 494197
Work type: Staff
Location: Newark
Categories: Research & Laboratory, Full Time

PAY GRADE:  32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Research Office manages approximately $145 million in annual research expenditures associated with over 2,300 sponsored research projects. The closeout process, performed in the Research Office, acts as the financial review and end-of-life accounting mechanism for all sponsored contracts and grants awarded to the University of Delaware (UD).

Under the limited direction of the Associate Vice President for Research Administration, the Manager of Sponsored Research Accounting is responsible for Overseeing the overall fiscal management, financial reporting, and account closeout for externally-sponsored research awards. Providing leadership, oversight, and support for daily operations performed by the Sponsored Research Accounting team. Assists with performance improvement and long-range planning for post-award administrative support provided by the Research Office. Provides expertise and customer service to campus faculty and staff members for effective and compliant management of sponsored projects and financials. Engages with external constituents, sponsors, and auditors as necessary.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership, oversight, and support for daily operations performed by the Sponsored Research Accounting team:
  • Provide onboarding, training, and ongoing resources to staff to ensure effective understanding and execution of standard UD processes, policies, systems, and tools
  • Support staff in developing expertise and competency in the overall administration, financial management, and regulatory compliance aspects for sponsored programs
  • Effectively allocate and prioritize tasks and workload for staff members in support of Research Office operations
  • Manage an individual workload consisting of a more complex portfolio of sponsored projects
  • Evaluate cost transfers and accounting entries for financial compliance and process in accordance with UD and sponsor requirements
  • Review and assess work performed by staff members, including participation in regular conversations and annual evaluations for performance feedback
  • Provide expertise, guidance, and appropriate decision-making to facilitate effective and appropriate financial management, reporting, and account closeout operations
  • Utilize advanced functions of accounting software (Excel, Access, PeopleSoft Financials) to analyze workload, account information, and award financials.
  • Establish and report on metrics to measure, monitor, and review overall team performance
  • Communicate needs for staffing and professional development to leadership, including recommendations related to hiring, firing, and training
• Regularly coordinate and communicate with UD constituents and external parties to ensure effective and compliant financial management for sponsored research programs:
  • Coordinate with individuals in central offices (e.g. Pre-Award, Billing, Finance, Cashiers, Payroll) and across campus (department/college administrators, heads/chairs/deans, and faculty members) to facilitate effective award management, problem-solving, and internal dispute-resolution
  • Communicate with external sponsors, governmental agencies, auditors, and other entities to address inquiries, manage conflicting interests, and resolve issues as appropriate
  • Assist with annual A-133 audits to ensure UD compliance in financial issues and manage associated grants-related report data
  • Coordinate with Finance to review and evaluate year-end account balances and prepare accounting entries for year-end financials
• Establish, maintain, and oversee policies and procedures for sponsored research accounting:
  • Review processes to ensure they are up-to-date and in compliance with sponsor regulations and UD institutional requirements
  • Identify processes needing improvement and develop, test, and implement enhancements
  • Work with IT to develop and test system-based alternatives and solutions where applicable
  • Provide guidance and training to Research Office staff, campus administrators, and faculty members as needed
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties and special projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and at least six years of job-related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in the Higher Education industry and/or Research Administration is preferred.
• Working knowledge of OMB Circulars A-21, A-110, A-133, Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, and other pertinent external regulations. Knowledge of federal forms.
• Understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and the University general ledger and financial system.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of effective grant funding processes, procedures, and techniques as well as applicable local, state, federal and university regulations.  
• Ability to use advanced techniques in Microsoft Office Suite including Word processing, Excel spreadsheets, Access databases, PowerPoint presentation software, and enterprise systems is essential.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Demonstrated customer service skills, and ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Effective oral and written communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Project management skills and the ability to resolve complex problems and issues.
• Ability to present information effectively to groups; to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and cooperative work environment.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• Ability to make effective administrative/procedural decisions and recommendations.

Ability to interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Applications close: Open until filled