Principal Subrecipient Compliance Specialist

Salary/Position Classification

• $80,000 , dependent upon relevant experience, Annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite in Grand Forks, ND.

Purpose of Position

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a talent for risk assessment and compliance? Ready to oversee and manage subrecipient compliance while supporting groundbreaking research initiatives? We’re looking for a Principal Subrecipient Compliance Specialist/Accounting Team Lead to join our exceptional team at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC)!

Join the EERC, an international leader in energy and environmental research and a nonprofit branch of the University of North Dakota (UND), which gives our employees access to unbeatable benefits and tuition waivers. Learn more about the EERC at undeerc.org.

Be a part of cutting-edge research, engage with professionals who share your passion, and create work you can be proud of. As a Principal Subrecipient Compliance Specialist/Accounting Team Lead, you will contribute to the success of the organization by performing one or more of the following:

• Conduct a risk assessment of potential subrecipients, recommend risk-mitigating provisions for subaward when necessary, and monitor subrecipient for compliance with all contractual requirements, regulations, policies & procedures, and laws. Evaluate subrecipient budget for allowability. Develop and oversee subrecipient risk management plans. Train team members on the process and their roles.
• Facilitate the timely processing of subaward invoices. Review invoices and associated documentation of expenditures and cost share for allowability and compliance with federal regulations and award requirements. Coordinate review by programmatic team for applicability and appropriateness review. Communicate and resolve invoicing issues with the subrecipient.
• Communicate and apply professional interpretations of accounting policies and principles and rules and regulations with various external and internal constituents, including subrecipients, internal business departments, research and project managers.
• Facilitate the subaward closeout process by developing closeout certifications, tracking closeout progress, and assisting to resolve any closeout related issues.
• Develop new financial reports as needed/requested, and work with the programming team to automate reporting. Analyze financial data using the university PeopleSoft system.
• Maintain working knowledge of university financial systems and their interface to EERC financial systems. Represent the EERC as a liaison to UND Controller’s Office, Resource Planning and Allocation, Transportation, and Facilities.
• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the accounting, payment, and payroll team. Ensure team members receive appropriate training and professional development, establish and monitor team performance, assign and assess development goals, establish priorities, conduct performance reviews, administer salary adjustments. Mentor and develop staff.
• Develop and implement procedures for effective business operations.
• Educate project managers, fund managers, and support personnel in the financial aspect of managing sponsored agreements/non-sponsored funds.
• Maintain effective communication and relationships with all areas within the EERC and University of North Dakota, as well as our clients.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values customer service.

The EERC is recognized as a global leader in developing clean, efficient energy solutions. With a dedicated team of over 270, we collaboratively develop innovative technologies to power the world efficiently while safeguarding our air, water, and soil. Trusted by over 1300 clients in 53 countries, our mission is to provide practical, pioneering solutions to the world’s energy and environmental challenges.

Required Competencies

• Ability to work with employees at all levels and with contractual agreements.
• Ability to communicate effectively on all levels both inside and outside the organization.
• Organizational leadership skills.
• Organizational/prioritization ability.
• Accuracy, attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal/oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate, negotiate, and advise on matters that are highly complex and sensitive in nature.
• Ability to conduct analyses on a wide variety of subrecipient monitoring issues; synthesize data and present findings in a cohesive and understandable format.
• Ability to analyze financial documents and processes.
• Ability to read and interpret contractual documents, instructions, policies, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in English, written and oral.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in another field with directly related years of experience may be substituted for the specific business degree.
• Five years’ experience in Federal grants/contracts financial management or five years of auditing experience.
• Two years of work experience with subrecipient monitoring activities.
• Experience with Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 and the FAR.
• Supervisory experience
• Experience implementing, strategizing, aligning staff and resources to achieve goals, and building and directing a diverse multidisciplinary team.
• Cover letter and resume.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or other applicable certification.
• Master’s degree.
• 5 years of subrecipient monitoring experience.
• Experience with administration of federal contracts.
• Experience in working with the US Department of Energy.
• Experience with university accounting, payroll and payment processes.
• Experience with PeopleSoft.

To Apply

To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by April 15, 2025.