Summary

Reporting to the Vice President, Research Finance, the Director is a critical team member ensuring that the overarching infrastructure (people, process and technology) meets the needs and requirements for a fully functioning and compliant Sponsored Programs Finance (SPF) enterprise.  Serves as the SPF lead and subject matter expert for related IT systems/reports, compliance policies and procedures, and training program implementations.  Responsible for coordinating all internal and external audits.  This role is the liaison to IT, Finance, the Sponsored Projects Office and external colleagues for systems, reporting and metrics.  This role also serves as a key trainer for internal and external staff. 

Will consider highly qualified applicants to work remotely within the state of Texas.  Travel to Houston up to four times a year may be required.

This position is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.

Job Duties

• Manages post-award grant management and compliance activities and administration.
• Manages the systems, policies and procedures necessary to support salary charging on sponsored awards.
• Develops quality assurance reporting and metrics to ensure all SPF functions are being performed efficiently and accurately.
• Oversees all necessary financial accounting reconciliations to ensure appropriate financial statement balances.
• Coordinates all internal and external audits.
• Writes, maintains and communicates policies and procedures related to post-award administration.
• Develops and maintains post-award training programs for BCM research administrators.
• Works with IT and other report developers to ensure functioning systems and reporting for the post award administration of grants, both for SPF functions and departmental research administrators.
• Stays apprized of developments in the research administration environment and recommends necessary changes to BCM policies, procedures and systems to maintain compliance.
• Manages the approval process for all grant expense transactions requiring SPF approval and/or review according to BCM policies.
• Serves as a liaison between investigators, department administrators, other central administration areas, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders.
• Engages in strategic planning activities, including departmental goals and annual budget submission
• Works with regulatory staff, investigators and other stakeholders to resolve queries from regulatory agencies and other involved parties.
• Recruits, trains, and supervises staff.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• Eleven years of directly related experience to include four years of supervisory experience, required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree. Seven years of directly related experience with four years of supervisory experience
• CPA strongly desired
• Proven record of accomplishment in creating well-defined procedures and best practices to include compliance with federal, state and local regulations
• Knowledge of ERP systems
• Experience in process ownership
• Executive presence, judgment, and positive personal track record in leading in a dynamic organization
• Dynamic and polished communication style and capability across all executive and management levels displaying executive presence, savvy, and collegiality
• The highest of personal integrity, honesty, business ethics, and respect in dealing with people and organizations