Position Summary:

This position is focused on financial management of research-based awards. It will be responsible for the expenditure review, analysis of financial transactions, sponsor financial reporting, and award closeout for a complex and robust portfolio of both federal and non-federal awards. The Senior Research Financial Analyst works within a sub-team to provide focused support to their assigned departments throughout the lifecycle of their awards. The Senior Research Financial Analyst will also have opportunities to mentor and train other more junior Research Financial Analyst staff.

About the Work Unit:

The Research Finance Team strives for excellence in providing support and oversight in administratively managing sponsored projects, monitoring associated financial compliance requirements in accordance with sponsor regulations and university policies, and providing analytical and cost accounting expertise to the management of Vanderbilt’s research enterprise. Research Finance includes the Research Financial Specialists that provide central oversight for project expenditures, financial reconciliation, financial reporting, and award closeout, the Research Accountants that perform invoicing, cash management and accounts receivable management, and the Data and Cost Analysts that perform cost accounting activities and institutional research reporting as well as award setup and effort certification compliance oversight. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Provides focused support to departments and Principle Investigators throughout the award life cycle; the Senior Research Financial Analyst will be assigned the most complex portfolios.
• Reviews expenditures, analyzes financial transactions, prepares sponsor financial reports, and performs award closeouts for a portfolio of awards.
• Analyzes, resolves, and responds to problems involving expenditure management, award closeout, and sponsor financial reporting.
• Performs financial reconciliation of awards.
• Research sponsor agreements and makes determinations about reporting and compliance related requirements.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of university and sponsor policies and procedures regarding expenditures, award closeouts, and sponsor financial reporting.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements and changes to policies and procedures to facilitate automation and fully utilize system capabilities.
• Task management in the Microsoft based task tracking environment, including being a proficient user, adapting to software changes, and keeping pace with training and expectations.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Director of Research Finance. 

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting or finance is preferred.
• CPA or MACC/MBA is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 3 years of direct post-award grants administration is preferred.
• Skill in intermediate Excel, Word, and PowerPoint applications is necessary.
• Experience with Task Management Software and various Microsoft 365 applications is preferred.
• Time management skills and the ability to work well in a team environment is necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, understanding their needs and goals is necessary. 
• Ability to work co-operatively with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively, is necessary.
• Ability to present financial information to a non-financial audience.
• Experience in higher education with a focus in research compliance and/or financial administration in a research university, academic medical center, or other organization subject to an externally regulated environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated performance in establishing and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships with a full range of internal and external constituencies is necessary.
• Proven detail-oriented work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is necessary.
• Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups is necessary.
• Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders is necessary.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.