Financial Specialist, Sr.

Job Profile:

Financial Analyst 2

Job Family:

Budget, Planning and Financial Analysis

Time Type:

Full time

Max Pay – Depends on experience:

$63,000.00 USD Annual

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Performs routine and operational financial analysis, reporting, and systems development in support of other financial activities within the institution. Performs commitment analysis, variance analysis (actual vs budget); revenue and expense projections/forecasts. May have interactions outside department, as functionally required.

Job Description:

Max Pay - Depends on Experienc e:

$63,000 USD Annual

Salary Range: $50,823 - $63,000 per year; DOE

Candidates interested in a career with a focus on Research Advancement financials are invited to apply to join the team at ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE) within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (FSE).

Members of the Research Advancement Team are responsible for providing financial oversight of grants and contracts while working closely with faculty who are making impactful advances in solving today’s global issues. Individuals who understand the principles of financial practices, possess excellent customer service skills, and value continuous improvement are desired. In addition to providing financial support to faculty, this position will supervise the post-award team that are responsible for managing sponsored research projects and faculty discretionary accounts.

This is a mid-career track position (Level 3 of 7) reporting to the SSEBE Assistant Director Research Advancement with opportunities to increase complexity based on job performance, as well as growth into multiple branches of specialization or supervisory tracks.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of sponsored program financial management , including post-award administration, budgeting, forecasting, cost share requirements , and F&A principles.

• Strong understanding of federal regulations and sponsor requirements , including Uniform Guidance, audit standards, and agency-specific terms and conditions.

• Knowledge of institutional financial systems and eRA systems , including budgeting tools, accounting platforms, and reporting systems.

• Skill in analyzing complex financial data , identifying discrepancies, and applying corrective actions.

• Ability to apply allowability, allocability, and reasonableness standards to sponsored project expenditures.

• Ability to prepare accurate and compliant financial reports , invoices, and reconciliations under strict deadlines.

• Skill in interpreting sponsor guidelines and translating them into operational steps for faculty and staff.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills , with the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills , including the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, central offices, and external sponsors.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively , demonstrating sound judgment and high attention to detail.

Essential Duties

• Manage all post-award financial activities for sponsored projects, including award setup, budget allocation, expenditure monitoring, and monthly account reconciliations.

• Prepare, review, and revise project budgets , including budget justifications, re-budgets, and multi-year financial planning.

• Prepare and submit sponsor financial reports and invoices , ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with award terms.

• Monitor expenditures for allowability, allocability, and consistency , identifying issues and implementing corrective actions.

• Review and approve financial transactions , such as cost transfers, payroll allocations, journal entries, procurement, and subaward invoices.

• Manage cost share commitments , including tracking, documentation, reporting, and ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.

• Provide financial forecasting and portfolio analysis (burn rates, projections, variance analysis) to support faculty decision-making.

• Lead award closeout processes , ensuring timely final reconciliations, final reports, and compliance documentation.

• Collaborate with pre-award, compliance, departmental, and central finance units to ensure accuracy and consistency across the award lifecycle.

• Serve as a financial resource to faculty and staff , providing guidance on sponsored project financial policies, procedures, and best practices.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in research administration , particularly post-award financial management.

• Demonstrated experience managing cost share commitments , tracking, documentation, and reporting.

• Experience interpreting and applying Uniform Guidance , federal agency terms, and audit requirements.

• Advanced skill in budget development , multi-year financial planning, and scenario modeling.

• Experience managing complex sponsored project portfolios with multiple funding sources.

• Proficiency with institutional financial systems, eRA platforms, and automated reporting tools.

• Strong analytical skills, including financial forecasting and variance analysis .

• Experience with effort reporting , payroll certification, and related compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, researchers, and cross-functional administrative units .

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly.

• Experience working in environments with competing deadlines, sensitive information, and frequent priority changes .

Working Environment

HYBRID ; Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse (75%); required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work (10%). Infrequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds (5%). Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Must be able to communicate effectively, comprehend information, and perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.; Regular use of standard office equipment including, but not limited to: computer workstation/laptop (keyboard, monitor, mouse), printer, fax, calculator, copier, telephone and associated computer/technology peripherals.; Supervises designated employees that include hiring, training, evaluations, disciplinary actions and scheduling and time approvals.

FSE Department Statement:

At the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, we are delivering a world-class learning experience for our students and advancing research and innovation — all at scale . The Fulton Schools research enterprise leads use-inspired research and key national initiatives, including the Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub, accelerating microelectronics and workforce development for the Department of Defense. We also lead the Electrified Processes for Industry Without Carbon Clean Energy Manufacturing Institute, supported by the Department of Energy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen manufacturing. As the lead institution for the Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency, we enhance homeland security operations through advanced tools and technologies. Additionally, we lead an NSF Engineering Research Center developing sustainable civil infrastructure and partner with another ERC advancing clean water technology.

The Fulton Schools hosts numerous research centers that leverage faculty expertise to drive engineering innovation and entrepreneurship across four interdisciplinary impact areas: Climate Technology Solutions, Competitive Manufacturing in an Advanced Economy, National and Economic Security, and Technology-Enhanced Health and Medicine. Our faculty are achieving excellence at scale, positioning the Fulton Schools among the nation’s top engineering colleges for invention disclosures, U.S. patents, and startups.

We are an engineering school on the rise at the nation’s most innovative university, situated in the heart of its fastest-growing metropolitan area. The breadth of our faculty’s research interests and interdisciplinary approach, along with over 50 graduate and 27 undergraduate degree programs, creates a strong foundation for collaboration and the advancement of ideas that contribute to a more sustainable and livable global future.

The Fulton Schools of Engineering follows a framework of values designed to distinguish our practice and guide daily decisions in our academic, research, corporate engagement and entrepreneurial endeavors. These values influence how we recognize, reward and communicate our achievements. At the Fulton Schools of Engineering, we:

• Cultivate excellence.
• Deliver innovation that matters.
• Encourage bold thinking.
• Foster a community of learning and collaboration.
• Build a foundation for all to be successful.

Working at ASU has outstanding benefits that include: health, dental and vision insurance plans; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities, and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit  

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Campus: Tempe

Funding:

No Federal Funding

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter

• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact HR Talent Acquisition before the posting close date to request edits.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.