Director Sponsored Accounting

Overview

Director Sponsored Accounting

Department: Office of Sponsored Accounting

Job Description

Syracuse University is a top-tier international research university, where academic inquiry spans and unites a full range of disciplines. Faculty and students collaborate to produce research, scholarship and creative work that advances our fundamental understanding of issues facing society and innovative solutions that have an impact at the community, state, national and global level.

The Office of Research is the central hub for research support at Syracuse University, facilitating excellence in research, scholarship, innovation and creative activity that addresses emerging opportunities and societal needs. This support extends to faculty, staff, students and external partners. Designated as a Research 1 institution, Syracuse University was awarded a total of $78.9 million in fiscal year 2021.

The Office of Sponsored Accounting provides support to the Office of Research related to post-award compliance with sponsored agreements and federal regulations governing sponsored funds as documented within the Federal Register. This role of Director of Sponsored Accounting will be key to promoting an environment of timely and responsive customer service to the campus research community while meeting necessary compliance requirements.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree with 7+ years progressive experience in the area of research for an R1 higher education institution.

Job Specific Qualifications

• 7+years progressively responsible years of experience in Sponsored Accounting or related research support, including extensive knowledge of PeopleSoft financials, including the grants module, federal regulations and University policies and procedures
• Direct experience developing and delivering stand up training to a wide variety of audiences.
• Experience in direct supervision and management of professional staff
• Strong and proven analytical and reconciliation abilities
• Ability to represent the unit professionally and effectively with individuals at all levels within and outside of the University
• Strong and proven verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and seek out ways to reduce administrative burden for the University’s PIs.

Responsibilities

Responsibility for overall day to day operations of the Office of Sponsored Accounting, including, but not limited to advising staff on preparation of financial reports, award set ups, award closings, invoicing, electronic withdrawals, including federal financial aid draws, account reconciliations, cash management, sponsored tuition issues, interpretation of federal guidelines on all aspects of sponsored awards, effort reporting and issue resolution with campus constituents and other service departments.

Work closely with Functional Business Analysts (FBAs) to optimize all PeopleSoft Financial System functions, including developing criteria for reports, refining reports, resolving system issues, optimizing information, reducing errors, creating documentation for new or improved processes and ensuring proper system function.

Plan, create and deliver formal, stand up training for campus constituents, including departmental administrators, Principal Investigators (PIs) and other award personnel on the grants module of the PeopleSoft Financial system and other sponsored topics. Foster an environment focused on providing best in class services to the research community and strive to reduce administrative burden where possible for the PIs.

Provide guidance to senior accountants and campus constituents on complex issues including award issues, policy issues, procedure questions and strategic direction of the University as it relates to sponsored and contract awards.

Main interface with University internal and external financial auditors; respond to requests, request custom reports from FBAs, answer auditor questions and provide detailed information on processes, procedures, policies and overall University award management.

Please apply at https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/97876 and attach a cover letter and resume. Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.