Finance Administrator

About the Opportunity

Northeastern University’s Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators and college administrators in support of research and sponsored programs at Northeastern University. NU -- a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse and growing research portfolio -- seeks to hire talented, experienced administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators secure and manage their extramurally sponsored activities. The University is committed to hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence. To learn more about Northeastern’s unique academic environment and generous benefits please see: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/. Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with Team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Subawards, Research Administration, is the point of contact and primary resource for the faculty, department staff and subrecipients related to the management of invoices received by Northeastern University under externally sponsored programs. The Subaward Finance Administrator works in partnership with faculty, University staff and subrecipients by facilitating the coordination and flow of information in support of effective payment of invoices related to sponsored programs.

Responsibilities include: Review and comprehend the payment terms under a wide range of funding sources including Federal, state, local government agencies and industry sponsors to ensure invoices are compliant; serves as primary administrative contact for faculty and researchers related to financial aspects of outgoing subawards; facilities communications with subrecipients; conducts subrecipient monitoring in accordance with Federal regulations; liaise with NU stakeholders such as Procurement, Accounts Payable and Finance. This position communicates directly with faculty, researchers and administrators to assist them with the required financial aspects and regulatory monitoring of their subawards. Provides operational support, including data management and reporting, processing and tracking incoming subcontract invoices through the Research Invoice Inbox. Work with Northeastern Faculty, Administrators and subrecipients to obtain approval for payment; updates and maintains relevant information in respective databases. Contact subcontract sites when issues arise and to respond to inquiries. Prepares and submits Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) subaward reports. Collaborates with Research Finance annually to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements.

As a collaborative team member, the candidate will support the other members of NU-RES, interface with colleagues across organizational units such as KRI at Northeastern University, LLC, NU-RES Research Finance, Accounts Payable, Office of General Counsel, the Procurement Office, and Research Compliance, and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment; e.g. multiple projects, with routine interruptions and changing priorities
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and the ability to facilitate group activities
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals with varying sophistication and information needs
• Demonstrated experience utilizing critical thinking skills to proactively solve or mitigate problems, including anticipating issues, identifying solutions and providing appropriate communication to impacted parties
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions.
• Strong commitment to constructively contribute to a customer service environment, providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous service to the university research community.
• Ability to navigate through multiple systems and platforms to execute roles and responsibilities efficiently
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 1year relevant experience in the field of research administration in an academic, industry, Federal contracting non-profit, or similar setting is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and SharePoint is preferred.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

(80%) Review and comprehend the payment terms under a wide range of funding sources including Federal, state, local government agencies and industry sponsors to ensure invoices are compliant; serves as primary administrative contact for faculty and researchers related to financial aspects of outgoing subawards; facilities communications with subrecipients; conducts subrecipient monitoring in accordance with Federal regulations; liaise with NU stakeholders such as Procurement, Accounts Payable and Finance. This position communicates directly with faculty, researchers and administrators to assist them with the required financial aspects and regulatory monitoring of their subawards. Provides operational support, including data management and reporting, processing and tracking incoming subcontract invoices through the Research Invoice Inbox. Work with Northeastern Faculty, Administrators and subrecipients to obtain approval for payment; updates and maintains relevant information in respective databases. Contact subcontract sites when issues arise and to respond to inquiries. Prepares and submits Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) subaward reports. Collaborates with Research Finance annually to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements.

(15%) Works with the Assistant Director, Subawards to create robust processes, procedures and best practices for management, intake of requests, and administration of subaward invoices; Identify and implement process changes that reduce risk and increase automation of various business processes, develop tools and relevant in support of NU Research Enterprise Services.

(5%) Support management with ad hoc assignments as needed.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.