Research Finance Manager

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the Research Finance Manager will be responsible for the post-award finance of the research division.

Responsibilities

• Perform and update monthly budgeting, projecting, and reconciling of research finances for PI portfolio of accounts, which may consist of grants, endowments, gifts, and other funding sources.

Assist with the setup of new projects and budget modifications of existing awards as needed.

• Work closely with the University's Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) to ensure that chartstring and budget information are accurate.
• Inform the PI of the setup and provide the chartstring information.

Review and keep track of all grants' subawards (outbound / inbound) and related agreements

• Review and monitor all outbound subaward invoices and obtain PI approval
• Review and monitor all inbound subaward invoices and ensure that billing aligns with the budget and project period.

Point of contact to confirm the allocation of grant related expenses such as :

• Personnel and student stipends
• Animal Care
• Lab supply orders and purchase requisitions for services such as consultants, equipment, and maintenance

Perform in-depth monthly financial review of the department's grant portfolio of accounts :

• address variances, overruns, and coordinate the appropriate expenditure corrections.
• Generate monthly research profit and loss statements for review with department Senior Management.
• Provide support and guidance to PIs to ensure proper fund utilization throughout the project period and compliance with the sponsor's financial requirements.
• Ensure completion of quarterly expense attestations with each PI, and coordinate annual effort reporting, with departmental effort coordinator.
• Assist with the quarterly and annual budget process and maintain accurate sponsored projects information in the University Financial System. Assist with the University fiscal year end close ensuring no overruns, grant expenses have been posted, SAPOS and POs are encumbered or liquidated.
• Coordinate with the department's Pre-Award manager, Sponsored Projects Administration, and Sponsored Projects Finance on progress reports and close-outs. Provide Pre-Award Manager with the necessary financial information to incorporate into progress or final reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training, education and experience and at least 4 years of relevant financial, sponsored projects management experience in an academic medical center or higher education required.
• Strong computer skills with an emphasis on developing complex spreadsheets.
• Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal organization, problem solving and detail-oriented skills required.
• Ability to use good judgment in handling confidential financial data.
• Strong work ethic with ability to manage multiple priorities along with a strong desire to be an actively engaged team member.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of CU accounting and financial system (ARC) and related research administration systems (Rascal, Info-ED)
• Master's degree preferred, preferably in healthcare or finance-related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.