Carnegie Mellon University · 3 months ago
Senior Sponsored Research Accountant - Finance Division
Pittsburgh, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expCarnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Senior Sponsored Research Accountant to serve as a cornerstone of our research administration team, providing expert financial guidance and ensuring compliance with federal and non-federal research funding regulations.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Drive the financial close process for sponsored projects in collaboration with Cash Management, ensuring absolute adherence to sponsor terms, university policy, and federal regulations
Ensure the integrity of financial data, lead the rigorous reconciliation of all project accounts before the submission of invoices and reports
Govern revenue recognition for the sponsored projects portfolio, ensuring strict compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and institutional standards
Architect the timely and accurate execution of revenue events within the financial system, safeguarding the university's financial records
Serve as a key partner and compliance advisor to Principal Investigators (PIs) and department business managers, translating complex regulations into actionable guidance that skillfully balances the PI's scientific objectives with the university's fiduciary and compliance responsibilities
Champion a culture of compliance by proactively identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex financial issues related to expenditures, reporting, and award terms
Lead and coordinate federal multi-agency audit responses, serving as the principal point of contact, directing the compilation of evidence, and formulating institutional positions and rebuttals
Maintain and disseminate authoritative knowledge of federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
Function as a key liaison and subject matter expert for the broader campus community, ensuring a consistent and compliant approach to research administration
Architect the end-to-end setup of new awards, ensuring meticulous alignment with university, sponsor, and federal requirements for both non-profit and for-profit sponsors
Provide expert consultation regarding the financial administration of the award lifecycle, including funding modifications, budget validation against sponsor agreements, and management of financial installments
Ensure seamless data synchronization between project modules and the general ledger to maintain financial accuracy and system integrity
Command a diverse and complex portfolio of sponsored projects, applying a sophisticated understanding of sponsor-specific regulations for federal, foundation, and corporate awards
Design and implement intuitive financial dashboards and data visualizations to provide PIs and leadership with real-time insights
Orchestrate the timely and accurate delivery of all financial reports, validating cost-sharing commitments, and monitoring project deliverables to meet all contractual obligations
Conduct sophisticated budget-to-actual variance analysis, identify financial risks and opportunities, and provide PIs with actionable intelligence to guide project spending
Provide rigorous oversight of all sub-awardee invoicing, reporting, and compliance, and monitor key personnel effort to ensure alignment with commitments
Lead the comprehensive reconciliation and final closeout of awards, ensuring all financial, technical, and compliance requirements are satisfied and documented
Identify and spearhead process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of sponsored project administration
Serve as a subject matter expert on cross-functional project teams and contribute to strategic departmental and institutional goals
Collaborate and champion with research administration and campus teams to identify and implement improvements to shared business and technology processes supporting sponsored awards
Mentor junior staff members, fostering a collaborative environment of continuous learning and professional growth
Engineer training sessions to be used campus-wide to inform the research community of best practices and unified processes
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in grant and contract accounting, sponsored research administration, or a closely related field
Demonstrated mastery of federal regulations governing research, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FAR, and CAS
Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to interpret and apply complex policies and regulations
Superior communication and people skills, with the ability to effectively advise and influence a wide range of stakeholders, from faculty to senior administration
High proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Successful background check
Preferred
An advanced degree (MBA, MPA) or professional certification (CPA, CRA - Certified Research Administrator)
Direct experience in a university, academic medical center, or non-profit research institution
Experience managing complex awards such as large federal contracts, clinical trials, or multi-site program projects
Proven experience in leading process improvement projects or system implementation initiatives
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
A generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
Tuition benefits
Ample paid time off and observed holidays
Life and accidental death and disability insurance
A free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
Fitness center access
Company
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that offers degrees in technology, arts, and various other fields.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Carnegie Mellon University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (131)
2024 (131)
2023 (149)
2022 (132)
2021 (120)
2020 (99)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$488.58MKey Investors
ICANNAppalachian Regional CommissioneBPF Foundation
2025-05-29Grant· $0.45M
2024-09-05Grant· $0.5M
2024-08-29Grant· $0.05M
Leadership Team
Amy Coutu
Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Applications
Chirag Patel
Adjunct Professor
Recent News
Government Technology US
2026-01-07
2026-01-03
2025-12-29
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