Sponsored Research Analyst

Overview

The Office of Finance & Treasury at Princeton University seeks an analyst to join our Sponsored Research Accounting team. The Sponsored Research Analyst plays a pivotal role in supporting the mission of the Sponsored Research Accounting department by ensuring financial compliance of the University's sponsored research expenditures, which exceeded $300 million in FY20. This position is responsible for managing a complex portfolio of sponsored awards for assigned academic departments and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, sponsors' award agreements and University policies. This position is responsible for performing essential duties including interpreting contract language for proper contract and bill plan setup in the PeopleSoft 9.2 Grants Management system, responding to inquiries from the University's grants community and external sponsors, reviewing costs for compliance, certifying financial reports and timely completing the award closeout process.

This position will leverage data analysis to help identify process improvements for increased operational efficiency as well as perform certain duties with a high degree of independence and accuracy.

The Office of Finance & Treasury actively searches for staff members of exceptional ability and promise who share in Princeton University's commitment to excellence, and who present a diversity of viewpoints and cultures. We offer varied professional opportunities spanning all aspects of financial management, analysis, and processing in support of the teaching and research mission. As part of the University community, we respect the dignity and individuality of each member while trying to foster a sense of shared experience and common purpose. We are unwavering in our commitment to both diversity and community and embrace the variety of talents, backgrounds, and perspectives of all of our colleagues.

Responsibilities

Award Management & Financial Compliance Oversight

• Manages portfolio of sponsored projects for assigned departments to provide financial oversight and to ensure compliance in terms of cost allowability throughout the life of each award
• Prepares interim invoices and interim financial reports. Certifies the accuracy of the expenditures, disbursements and cash receipts on interim financial reports and invoices
• Understands the complexities and layers of governing regulations for sponsored research expenditures across government and non-government sponsors
• Engages in the accounts receivable process to timely address any incidents of non-payment prior to involving the collections team
• Monitors international awards with foreign currency fluctuations for any potential financial loss and exposure to the University

Customer Service & Partnership

• Works with administrators in central business units, academic departments, and sponsors as needed to resolve outstanding issues
• Facilitates and/or participates in SRA hosted training sessions for the campus grants community including Wrap-Up with SRA, new grants staff orientation trainings, and other trainings as needed

Contract Review & Award Set-up

• Responsible for accurately interpreting contract agreements to ensure all invoicing, financial reporting, audit deliverables and other special provisions such as program income, cost share, carryforward restrictions, etc. are identified and properly captured in the PS Grants Management system
• Responsible for the timely set-up of award contracts and bill plans as well as all financial reporting deliverables in the PeopleSoft 9.2 Grants Management system for new awards and award modifications for assigned departments

Functional and Technical Expertise

• Responsible for increasing knowledge and proficiency in utilizing the five modules within the PeopleSoft 9.2 Grants Management system to strengthen operational efficiency
• Responsible for helping to identify efficiencies and improvement opportunities within the overall SRA business environment
• Responsible for updating and/or creating job aids that clearly document the various business requirements within the PS Grants Management system

Qualifications
 

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or 4 to 5 years equivalent experience in an analyst or sponsored research role
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, and other electronic databases and financial systems, ideally PeopleSoft Grants
• Ability to read and understand government grant and contract language and understand federal rules and regulations
• Understanding of foreign currency exchanges and billing issues
• Interpersonal and customer service skills are needed to work with multiple departments and sponsoring agencies
• Able to adapt well to change and continuous learning and improvement

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Business, Finance, or Management or CPA
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft, Coeus, Cognos
• Experience with the administration and accounting for federal sponsored research grants
• Experience at Princeton University or a university similar to Princeton University

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

Apply Here

PI137102058