Apply on Employer Site

Salk Institute for Biological Studies · 3 months ago

Research Accounting Specialist II (Post-Award)

San Diego, California, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$73K/yr - $82K/yr

3+ years exp

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of its scientific community. They are seeking a Research Accounting Specialist II responsible for the financial post-award management of a complex portfolio of sponsored research projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, Institute policies, and federal regulations.

BiotechnologyEducationGeneticsHealth CareNon Profit

Responsibilities

Review award documents to ensure compliance with sponsor terms, conditions, regulations, and restrictions

Manage a portfolio of complex projects (including institutional initiatives, center grants, and other multi-component awards) and grants that support multiple labs and core facilities

Maintain current knowledge of sponsor requirements and fiscal policies, and serve as a resource by researching, interpreting, and communicating funding agency guidance to RACT management, PIs and/or their designees as issues arise

Analyze current and historical funding and spending trends to identify budget surpluses or deficits by lab, grant, and budget category

Monitor expenditures across budget periods and the full life cycle of grants/gifts to ensure proper allocation and compliance

Review cash receipt allocations and monitor grant accounts receivable on a quarterly basis

Review and approve expenditure documents—including purchase orders, check requests, travel reimbursements, invoices, monthly recharges, and animal purchases - ensuring compliance with institutional policies and sponsor regulations

Independently prepare and submit external financial reports for grant awards and gift agreements, ensuring compliance with diverse sponsor requirements and deadlines

Perform closeout actions on grant and gift funds as required

Prepare funding and expenditure analyses for budget forecasting to identify historical trends, supporting senior management and PIs in monitoring financial performance

Exercise discretion and sound judgment in significant matters related to fund management and lab financial status, determining appropriate action plans in collaboration with PIs and administration

Serve as the primary contact for Principal Investigators (PIs) and their designees on post-award research funding, financial management, compliance, and institutional policies

Apply comprehensive knowledge and independent judgment to interpret policies and guidelines, providing fiscal options and recommending actions that balance scientific needs with institutional and sponsor requirements

Respond promptly to inquiries from PIs, administrative management, and other departments, and communicate financial issues through meetings, calls, and written correspondence

Investigate and resolve grant-related data and financial issues, including delinquent payments, escalating matters to senior research accounting leadership when appropriate

Performs other related duties as assigned by management

Qualification

Post-award managementFederal regulations knowledgeFinancial analysisMicrosoft OfficeAnalytical skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience

Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration or financial operations, including at least 2 years of post-award management of sponsored projects

Strong knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance/2 CFR 200) and sponsor-specific requirements

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Computer skills required: Microsoft Office