Senior Research Accountant

Overview

Under direction of the Manager, Research Finance, maintain the accounts and ledgers pertaining to all research grants and contracts at Lifespan, including account set-up, institutional oversight, and account close-out. Work with the Lifespan Finance Department, including General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Cash Control, and Financial Operations to maintain general ledger research responsibility centers. Prepare status and summary financial reports to Federal government agencies and non-federal sponsors. Review research grant expenditures for reasonableness and compliance with applicable Federal regulations and sponsor guidelines.  Work with department managers, principal investigators, and Research Administration staff to resolve sponsored program financial issues. Provide training to various constituents as necessary regarding Research Finance policies and procedures. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly, geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health system.  Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Lifespan Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct.

Work with the Manager, Research Finance to assure that the following tasks are completed as assigned:

• Coordinate activities with Financial Operations to ensure that monthly and year-end closings are completed within the Lifespan closing calendar.
• Prepare deficit reports and other reports related to problem accounts.
• Assist management in developing automation processes to increase productivity and improve financial reporting.
• Maintain research cost center file for interface to the general ledger.
• Prepare and submit external sponsor reports including Federal Financial Reports (FFRs) Reports, PMS-DPM Federal Cash Transaction Reports, payment vouchers or invoices, and Letter of Credit cash draw requests.
• Prepare detailed analyses of Research Finance issues and complex external departmental practices requiring thorough knowledge of accounting and finance principles as well as Lifespan accounting practices and financial systems. This includes participating in the preparation of indirect cost rate proposals for all applicable Lifespan affiliates.
• Participate actively in the development and revision of Research Finance policies and procedures. 

Maintain general ledger for research responsibility centers.

Prepare periodic financial reports to sponsors for approval by the Research Finance Manager, including Federal Financial Reports (FFRs) and billing documents for cost reimbursement.

Prepare periodic in-depth analyses for internal and external users re: data interpretation and financial system control checks.

Responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, and interpretation of financial data, including account establishment, cost transfers, financial reports, billings to sponsors, receivables (agings and potential uncollectible accounts), and the receipt of grant funding.

Monitor all sponsored program expenditures to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, state, and sponsor-specific guidelines. Continually apply to research grant revenues and expenditures the financial standards described in OMB 2CFR200-Uniform Guidance and applicable codifications, NIH and HHS Grants Policy Statements, and other authoritative sources of information. Discuss any potential issues of non-compliance with the Research Finance Manager.

Maintain knowledge of current Lifespan and sponsor accounting standards to ensure that all charges are reasonable, allowable, and allocable to respective sponsored projects.

Review the justification of cost transfers, considering both internal and sponsor policies. Discuss any questionable cost transfers with Research Administration and/or the Research Finance Manager.  Prepare journal entries (including intercompany entries) on a timely basis for posting allowable cost transfers to the general ledger, i.e., within the month that the cost transfer was approved.  Prepare split salary reallocations using the retro-salary split program when necessary.

Perform routine checks of general ledger amounts to ensure that selected sponsored program records are accurate and properly reported. Working with Research Administration, prepare the necessary journal vouchers to correct any errors or omissions. Identify any system issues with the Research Finance Manager.

Maintain records for OMB 2CFR200-Subpart F (Audit Requirements), agency, or program specific audits, demonstrating compliance with sponsor regulations concerning income and expenditures under sponsored programs. Assist the Research Finance Manager in resolving auditor issues and concerns. Assemble and prepare documentation as needed.

Identify internal and external customers and provide them with the appropriate support regarding sponsored program administration, general ledger accounting, and use of the Datawatch electronic reporting system. Perform individual Datawatch training sessions and/or schedule meetings as necessary

Meet with Research Administration staff, department managers, or principal investigators as necessary to review financial information and assess their respective research programs.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Remote up to 100% considered.

Salary commensurate with experience.

RI Department of Health and Lifespan Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all staff as a condition of employment.