Co-Executive Director for Sponsored Projects Accounting

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $76,725 and $97,057, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.


Job Description


POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Co-Executive Director for Sponsored Projects Accounting provides operational leadership to maintain compliant, efficient, and effective post-award financial management of sponsored projects throughout Case Western Reserve University. The co-executive director is responsible for developing and executing day-to-day operational plans, workflows, and internal controls for sponsored projects accounting. Utilizing extensive knowledge of post-award regulations and standards, the co-executive director oversees post-award accounting functions and ensures university-wide policy compliance. This position directly manages junior grant managers who are responsible for preparing invoices, generating financial reports, and interacting with principal investigators and research teams. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Post Award Management, the co-executive director delivers informative and timely managerial reports to relevant finance offices, while collaborating closely with office of Research Technology Management and departmental research leadership to implement practical, hands-on initiatives for financial research administration management.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Apply deep working knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR • 200), GAAP, and university policies to ensure strict institutional compliance regarding post-award financial costing and reporting. Embrace and implement automated compliance-checking software and artificial intelligence (AI) driven data validation tools to proactively identify risks, streamline financial monitoring, and guarantee the accuracy of federal and non-federal award expenditures. (20%)
2. Directly assign, track, and review financial reports and billings prepared by junior grant managers to ensure timely, accurate submission to sponsors. Utilize automated workflow systems to coordinate necessary reviews with principal investigators and department administrators. Efficiently manage invoicing and reporting intricacies across multi-institutional partnerships using centralized digital tracking tools. (20%)
3. Evaluate operational alternatives and optimize post-award accounting pathways through the development of financial models and data reports. Partner with leadership to design and maintain automated analytical tools that track post-award accounting metrics. Conduct routine process reviews across the research community to replace manual processes with high-efficiency automated solutions. (20%)
4. Design and execute a comprehensive onboarding and training program for new junior grant managers. Perform regular workflow analyses and establish operational priorities, integrating AI utilities and productivity automation tools to optimize task distribution, mitigate operational bottlenecks, and update daily university business practices. (15%)
5. Collaborate with University Technology, ERP systems teams, and department users to identify, evaluate, and implement automated post-award financial management systems. Serve as the primary technical resource for the team, leveraging AI-driven data analytics to define complex analysis parameters and generate meaningful reports for leadership decision-making. (10%)
6. Review and update operational policies and procedures to enhance compliance, leveraging cross-source financial data and peer institution benchmarking. Identify and introduce innovative, AI-driven business practices to resolve recurring operational issues. Communicate financial trends, system concerns, and operational recommendations to leadership in a timely manner. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)


CONTACTS

Department: Communicate regularly with senior executive director for post award administration, co-executive director for sponsored projects accounting. Weekly contact with grant managers, and other accounting staff, central pre-award staff. Continuous contact with professional and management staff of all levels within the office of Research and Technology Management.

University: Daily contact with management center representatives, department administrators and faculty.

External: Continuous contact with sponsor agencies (federal, non-federal), peers at other universities and sub-recipient organizations. Occasional contact with audit agencies.

Student: Little or no contact with students.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide direct oversight and supervision of three junior grant managers


QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 10 years of progressive experience in a related field required. Experience in an academic and/or medical center environment preferred; experience with budgets, fund accounting and/or grant management desired. Supervisory or project management experience required.

Education: Bachelor's degree required; strongly preferred in accounting or finance. Master's degree or CPA preferred.


REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Expertise in accounting practices within a business office, including GAAP, governmental accounting, budgeting, and internal controls over financial reporting and research activities
2. Deep knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance
3. Advanced understanding of OMB Single Audit and financial audit requirements, including reporting standards and regulatory compliance
4. Proven ability to analyze intricate accounting data and financial reports to formulate conclusions and provide recommendations for strategic planning
5. Strong analytical skills to interpret complex regulations, apply sound judgement, and execute effective problem-solving in high stakes scenarios
6. Demonstrated ability to lead teams, work independently, and make sound decisions while adhering to university policies and missions
7. Leverages advanced software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to automate repetitive tasks, design standardized templates, and streamline departmental workflows, significantly reducing manual error and increasing operational throughput
8. Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office work environment. Hybrid work may be offered with up to one day per week work from home after a successful probationary period for employees who maintain in good standing.


Hybrid Eligibility


This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.


EEO Statement


Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations


Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at View phone number on click.appcast.io to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.


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