Senior Sponsored Research Accountant

The Opportunity

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Senior Sponsored Research Accountant to join our finance team. This critical role will manage the financial administration of sponsored research projects, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, organizational policies, and sponsor requirements. The Senior Sponsored Research Accountant will oversee funding management, cost estimates, invoicing, revenue recognition, variance analysis, and cash flow forecasting, serving as a key liaison between the finance, program management, and sponsor teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Funding Management

• Monitor and track funding agreements, amendments, and modifications to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
• Collaborate with program management teams to forecast funding needs.
  

Cost Estimates and Budgeting

• Develop and review detailed cost estimates for project work plans, ensuring alignment with sponsor requirements and internal policies.
• Support divisions in preparing budgets and resource plans for ongoing and prospective projects.
  

Invoicing and Revenue Recognition

• Prepare and submit timely and accurate invoices to sponsors in accordance with contract terms.
• Oversee revenue recognition processes, ensuring compliance with GAAP and federal regulations.
  

Variance Analysis

• Analyze financial data to identify variances between budgeted and actual expenditures.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to address variances and enhance financial performance.
  

Cash Flow Management

• Monitor cash flows related to projects, identifying payment discrepancies and taking appropriate action.
• Prepare cash flow reports and collaborate with senior leadership to identify concerns in a timely manner.
  

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure adherence to applicable regulations, including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FAR, and sponsor-specific guidelines.
• Prepare financial reports for sponsors, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
• Support audit processes by providing documentation and responding to inquiries.
  

Systems Use and Reporting

• Utilize various financial management systems to input, analyze, and extract data for reporting purposes.
• Develop and maintain custom financial reports to meet the needs of stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to enhance system efficiencies and recommend improvements.
  

Training and Mentorship

• Provide guidance and training to junior accounting staff, fostering skill development and adherence to best practices.
• Serve as a resource for team members, addressing questions and troubleshooting issues related to sponsored research accounting.
  

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in financial management, grant accounting or related field.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance, FAR) and accounting principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency in financial management systems and tools (e.g., Oracle, ERP systems, Excel).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• You will be subject to a background check and must be eligible to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship.
  

Preferred

• MBA or CPA
• Experience working in an FFRDC or government contracting environment.
• Familiarity with data visualization systems (e.g., Power BI, Oracle Business Analytics)
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Location

Job Function

Position Type

Full time/Part time

Pay Basis

More Information:

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance