Associate Director - Research Finance

Role Description

This position is a temporary position that supports the functions of the NU-RES Finance office under the NU-Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) by ensuring that the University maintains compliance with applicable federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies with a focus on fiscal compliance.

NU-RES Finance supports the research and scholarly activities of Northeastern’s faculty in collaboration with colleges and administrative staff by providing financial and administrative services, financial and regulatory oversight of sponsored program accounts, and monitors trends and develops strategies to address the impacts.

The Associate Director, Research Finance supports the functions and overall business operations of the central Research Finance team by:

• Providing organizational efficiencies.
• Assisting with the oversight of financial operations and processes.
• Providing targeted support for the department’s cash management functions.

The Associate Director is responsible for the fiscal management of grants and contracts according to the terms and conditions of the sponsor. Responsibilities include:

• Supporting a team of Sponsored Account Analysts who manage university sponsored awards through the life cycle.
• Collaborating with the Research Finance leadership team to monitor the work and priorities of the analysts.
• Reviewing, approving, and submitting transactions and FFRs as needed.
• Focusing on business process improvements and support of the team and research community.

This role requires strong managerial, customer service, communication, and collaborative working skills. Responsibilities include:

• Fostering consultative relationships and supporting a professional environment.
• Providing award support and training to the Research Finance team and other departments.
• Assisting senior leadership in ensuring the needs of Principal Investigators and support staff are met while complying with institutional policies and governmental regulation.
• Assisting management in broad level reporting and analysis for the department.

The Associate Director will work in various electronic platforms and systems and must be technologically savvy. Key requirements include:

• Using VPN and working completely electronically.
• Navigating through financial systems and various grants systems and portals.
• Working in federal portals and providing necessary information for compliance purposes.

A key success factor for this role is being current with respect to federal regulations and the ability to train others on the application of these regulations. Responsibilities include:

• Participating in sponsored research initiatives and projects as assigned.
• Leading the adoption of best practices to promote continuous improvement.

Northeastern is a global university and Provost Research supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with team members, consistent with university policies and guidance.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.
• 6-8 years of work experience is required.
• Strong technical skills with MS Office 365 including Teams, Excel, Word, SharePoint, Outlook, as well as Adobe Acrobat and other analytical tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and thrive in a fast-paced operations group.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail and organization.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact with management and senior leadership.
• Basic understanding of General Accounting principles, standards, and regulations is required.
• Experience in B2B accounting, accounts receivable, and working with Local and Federal agencies is preferred.
• Experience in Federal portals and sponsor systems is preferred.
• Experience in Workday Finance preferred.
• Experience managing/supervising a team is preferred.

Requirements

• Coordinate the work activity of a team of Research Finance Analysts.
• Ensure timely submission of financial reports.
• Review financial reporting prior to submission to the sponsor.
• Review terms and conditions of the award along with agency policies and uniform guidance for allowability.
• Work with leadership team to close out projects in accordance with regulations, sponsor requirements, and university accounting system.
• Develop and update SOP and guidance documents for both internal team and external guidance documents.
• Assist Research Finance leadership team on reporting and special projects as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, and commuting & transportation.

Company Description

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This job is for a current or anticipated job vacancy.

Pay Rate: $60/hour