Post-Award Sponsored Research Specialist

Post-Award Sponsored Research Specialist

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R08167

Located in Boston's historic Fenway area, Simmons has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons University was one of the first higher education institutions to prepare women to become leaders and has evolved to become a university offering a women's undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all.

You're joining our community at an especially exciting time as one of our strategic goals is to become the most inclusive campus in New England. You'll find that people who work here are truly committed to our mission of preparing students to become champions of social justice and leaders in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, we encourage applications from all under-represented groups and are focused on inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Summary:

Simmons University is looking for a Post-Award Sponsored Research Specialist to join its Finance department. Reporting to the Assistant Controller, the Post-Award Sponsored Research Specialist is responsible for the preparation of all post-award financial reporting and accounting related to grants and sponsored programs. The Post-Award Sponsored Research Specialist will work in close collaboration with colleagues in various departments in order to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, grant requirements, and accurate accounting.

Essential Functions:

Grants Administration (post-award)

• Set up new grants, including creating grant accounts and setting up budgets;
  
• Review grant and agency documentation to ensure a clear understanding of the regulations and guidelines associated with grant funds;
  
• Meet regularly with faculty and other principal investigators to review grant expenditures for compliance with grant guidelines and grant budget, and process journal entries as appropriate;
  
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, principle investigators, operations directors from across Simmons' four colleges, and other colleagues to proactively improve processes related to post-award administration of grants;
  
• Conduct ongoing effort certification with faculty and staff as required by grantors;
  
• Perform award closeout tasks in a timely manner, including reviewing recently ended awards, verifying financial reports are filed, initiating adjusting entries, refunds or transfer of residual balances as needed, as well as updating award record within the accounting records;
  
• Deliver training to grant stakeholders on how to efficiently and effectively manage grants within university policy, granting agency guidelines, and all applicable federal regulations related to sponsored programs.
  

Account Reconciliations & Journal Entries

• Reconcile grants receivable and grants payable accounts on a monthly basis;
  
• Record grant revenues on a monthly basis;
  
• Prepare and/or review all accounting entries (journal entries, supplier invoices, expense reports) related to sponsored programs, ensuring compliance with grant guidelines;
  
• Research and resolve accounting issues or discrepancies related to grants;
  
• Collaborate with principal investigators to forecast the timing of grant expenditures and revenue recognition.
  

Grants Reporting, Uniform Guidance, and Audit Support

• Maintain schedule of grants reporting deadlines for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including preparing, submitting, and ensuring accuracy of all applicable reports;
  
• Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Programs on the preparation of internal management reports on grants;
  
• Coordinate with the auditors to support the annual Uniform Guidance Audit;
  
• Pursue continuing professional education related to Uniform Guidance updates and, when needed, initiate updates to university processes and policies accordingly. Continuing professional education may include research, webinars, courses, conferences, and/or peer networking.
  

Invoicing and Cash Management

• Drawdown federal funds and/or invoice grantors on a timely schedule to ensure effective cash management;
  
• Coordinate with the Student Financial Services office to draw down federal funds related to student aid.
  

Other

• Restricted fund accounting such as gifts
  
• Other duties as may be assigned.
  

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience required.
  

Required Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Minimum three years of professional experience related to grant compliance required;
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, reporting, etc.;
  
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills;
  
• Ability to work well with culturally diverse populations within an organization;
  
• Proven ability to perform duties with a high level of professionalism, flexibility; discretion, judgment, diplomacy and tact;
  
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines;
  
• Prior experience in higher education a plus.
  

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
  
• Cover Letter
  

Salary Grade
S07

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Post-Award-Sponsored-Research-Specialist_R08167

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.