Associate Director – Research Accounting-Northeastern University

DATE: Spring 2017
POSITION AVAILABLE: Associate Director-Research Accounting

ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global, experiential, research university built on a tradition of
engagement with the world, creating a distinctive approach to education and research. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools, and select advanced degrees at graduate campuses in Charlotte, North Carolina, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and Toronto.

The Research Finance Department (RF) is responsible for the fiscal management of grants and contracts in accordance with government regulations, donor requirements, and University policy. RF establishes new grants and analyzes and processes financial data within the Banner general ledger. RF is also responsible for drawing funds from letter of credit agencies, issuing invoices to donors, and cash collections. RF prepares and submits financial reports as required by the sponsor.

POSITION
The Associate Director – Research Accounting will be based in Boston and report to the Director, Research Finance. This position will enhance sponsored activities by ensuring compliance with applicable federal regulations and good practices in research administration. The Associate Director leads, and develops a team of financial analysts supporting timely and accurate financial management of awards. A key success factor for this role is the timely invoicing, reconciliation and closeouts. The ability to create and maintain a culture of service is essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees daily work of the Post Award Operations Financial Analysts, monitors the workload and priorities of the analysts and their productivity against performance measures.
• Oversees fiscal management of externally funded sponsored projects, from federal, state, foreign and private sources, identifies policies, processes and procedures needing refinement and/or enhancement and makes recommendations to the Director
• Trains staff and University personnel on established policies.
• Reviews and analyzes the Research Accounting module in Banner and makes recommendations on implementation and process improvement; also maintains system data on sponsored projects within the Research Accounting modules.
• Acts as post-award liaison between sponsoring agencies, the university and the PI; ensures fiscal compliance with all federal guidelines on financial issues.
• Delivers reports to Director, assists on special projects, and serves as primary contact for all audits including annual Uniform Guidance audit led by the Controller’s office. S/he works in conjunction with the Controller’s office, the Research Finance Director and Associate Directors in the development of the Indirect Cost Disclosure Statement and Fringe Benefit Rate proposal and negotiation.
• Responsible for annual external reports such as NSF Survey and SEFA schedule for UG audit.
• Requires comprehensive knowledge of government and sponsor regulations including 2CFR200 (Uniform Guidance), FAR and University policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working within a university business office OR with federal and non-federal grants and contracts in a post-award environment is required.
• At least 10 years direct experience in accounting is required.
• BS/BA or Master’s in accounting is required; MBA is a plus.
• Current knowledge base of all Federal OMB Circulars especially Uniform Guidance (2CFR200) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) is recommended.
• Familiarity with F&A rate proposal development and negotiation is desired.
• Experience working with Federal agencies/departments, i.e., NSF,HHS, ONR, NASA, DOE, Homeland Security and Commonwealth of MA related to invoicing and accounts receivable
• Excellent managerial, analytical, problem solving skills with a high attention to detail
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact with both senior management and subordinates.
• Demonstrated team builder skills required; also knowing how to get the most from his/her team and develop team members for long-term, mutual success is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should send a cover letter and résumé by email to maureen.salkin@CLAconnect.com. Be sure to note “Northeastern Associate Director” in the subject line and tell us how you learned of this opportunity.

Northeastern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Educational Institution and Employer, Title IX University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Northeastern University is an E-Verify Employer.