Senior Sponsored Research Accountant - Finance Division

divh2Senior Sponsored Research Accountant/h2pCarnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the worlds most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesnt imagine the future, we invent it. If youre passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!/ppThe Finance Division at Carnegie Mellon University is responsible for providing financial management, enterprise planning and stewardship in support of education, research, and strategic goals of the university. As part of the Controllers Office Team, the payroll department supports the entire scope of pay operations for CMU, including staff, faculty, and students, across international and domestic multi-state locations./ppWe are seeking a seasoned and strategic Senior Sponsored Research Accountant to serve as a cornerstone of our research administration team. In this pivotal role, you will be a trusted financial advisor, a compliance leader, and a driver of process innovation. You will govern a complex portfolio of sponsored awards, providing expert guidance to Principal Investigators and department administrators. This position requires a professional with deep subject matter expertise, exceptional analytical acumen, and the ability to navigate the intricate landscape of federal and non-federal research funding. If you are driven to ensure financial integrity and empower groundbreaking research, we invite you to apply./ph3Core Competencies Responsibilities/h3pStrategic Financial Stewardship Integrity (25%)/pulliDrive the financial close process for sponsored projects in collaboration with Cash Management, ensuring absolute adherence to sponsor terms, university policy, and federal regulations./liliEnsure the integrity of financial data, lead the rigorous reconciliation of all project accounts before the submission of invoices and reports./liliGovern revenue recognition for the sponsored projects portfolio, ensuring strict compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and institutional standards./liliArchitect the timely and accurate execution of revenue events within the financial system, safeguarding the universitys financial records./li/ulpCompliance Leadership Expert Consultation (25%)/pulliServe as a key partner and compliance advisor to Principal Investigators (PIs) and department business managers, translating complex regulations into actionable guidance that skillfully balances the PIs scientific objectives with the universitys fiduciary and compliance responsibilities./liliChampion a culture of compliance by proactively identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex financial issues related to expenditures, reporting, and award terms./liliLead and coordinate federal multi-agency audit responses, serving as the principal point of contact, directing the compilation of evidence, and formulating institutional positions and rebuttals./liliMaintain and disseminate authoritative knowledge of federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)./liliFunction as a key liaison and subject matter expert for the broader campus community, ensuring a consistent and compliant approach to research administration./li/ulpComprehensive Award Systems Governance (20%)/pulliArchitect the end-to-end setup of new awards, ensuring meticulous alignment with university, sponsor, and federal requirements for both non-profit and for-profit sponsors./liliProvide expert consultation regarding the financial administration of the award lifecycle, including funding modifications, budget validation against sponsor agreements, and management of financial installments./liliEnsure seamless data synchronization between project modules and the general ledger to maintain financial accuracy and system integrity./li/ulpAdvanced Portfolio Management Analytics (25%)/pulliCommand a diverse and complex portfolio of sponsored projects, applying a sophisticated understanding of sponsor-specific regulations for federal, foundation, and corporate awards./liliDesign and implement intuitive financial dashboards and data visualizations to provide PIs and leadership with real-time insights./liliOrchestrate the timely and accurate delivery of all financial reports, validating cost-sharing commitments, and monitoring project deliverables to meet all contractual obligations./liliConduct sophisticated budget-to-actual variance analysis, identify financial risks and opportunities, and provide PIs with actionable intelligence to guide project spending./liliProvide rigorous oversight of all sub-awardee invoicing, reporting, and compliance, and monitor key personnel effort to ensure alignment with commitments./liliLead the comprehensive reconciliation and final closeout of awards, ensuring all financial, technical, and compliance requirements are satisfied and documented./li/ulpProcess Innovation Institutional Contribution (5%)/pulliIdentify and spearhead process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of sponsored project administration./liliServe as a subject matter expert on cross-functional project teams and contribute to strategic departmental and institutional goals./liliCollaborate and champion with research administration and campus teams to identify and implement improvements to shared business and technology processes supporting sponsored awards./liliMentor junior staff members, fostering a collaborative environment of continuous learning and professional growth./liliEngineer training sessions to be used campus-wide to inform the research community of best practices and unified processes./li/ulpAdaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work./ppRequired Competencies:/pulliA bachelors degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field./liliMinimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in grant and contract accounting, sponsored research administration, or a closely related field./liliDemonstrated mastery of federal regulations governing research, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FAR, and CAS./liliExceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to interpret and apply complex policies and regulations./liliSuperior communication and people skills, with the ability to effectively advise and influence a wide range of stakeholders, from faculty to senior administration./liliHigh proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills./li/ulpPreferred Competencies:/pulliAn advanced degree (MBA, MPA) or professional certification (CPA, CRA - Certified Research Administrator)./liliDirect experience in a university, academic medical center, or non-profit research institution./liliExperience managing complex awards such as large federal contracts, clinical trials, or multi-site program projects./liliProven experience in leading process improvement projects or system implementation initiatives./liliA combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered./li/ulpRequirements:/pulliSuccessful background check/li/ulpJoining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits./ppBenefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance./ppAdditional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!/ppFor a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page./ppAt Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; its about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations./ppAre you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!/ppLocation: Pittsburgh, PA/ppJob Function: Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting/ppPosition Type: Staff Regular/ppFull Time/Part time: Full time/ppPay Basis: Salary/ppMore Information:/pulliPlease visit Why Carnegie Mellon to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world./liliClick here to view a listing of employee benefits/liliCarnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran./liliStatement of Assurance/li/ul/div