University of Washington · 2 hours ago
Director for Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA)
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$114K/yr - $165K/yr
6+ years expThe University of Washington is a leading educational institution seeking a Director for Grant and Contract Accounting. This role involves overseeing post-award research administration, ensuring compliance and financial transparency, and managing a team responsible for grant and contract accounting services.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Set the direction and ensure alignment of GCA operations with the University’s goals
Manage recruitment, training, supervision, and development of staff to maintain a skilled and effective team
Oversee customer service activities, training programs, campus outreach, and the resolution of escalated issues from internal and external stakeholders
Serve as a subject matter expert in Workday stabilization initiatives, ensuring successful system integration and operational continuity across post-award research accounting
Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies for effective post-award grant and contract management, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and long-term vision
Integrate advanced systems management by evaluating, selecting, and implementing technology solutions that streamline post-award processes and enhance data integrity
Oversee the development and integration of digital tools to automate workflow, improve reporting accuracy, and facilitate collaboration across departments
Collaborate with IT and operations teams to ensure seamless ongoing system integration, enabling real-time access to grant and contract information and supporting the cross-functionality of financial, compliance, and program management platforms
Partner closely with program leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure timely achievement of deliverables, milestones, and all reporting requirements, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to project success
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for post-award activities, driving continuous improvement and accountability across all programmatic operations
Develop and maintain robust stakeholder engagement plans to foster collaboration with internal and external partners, maximizing the impact of sponsored initiatives
Stay informed of emerging trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in grants and contracts management, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance program effectiveness and compliance
Provide leadership and oversee the GCA teams, including day-to-day operations, budget management, and staff development
Foster an inclusive culture within a diverse, matrixed environment and collaborate with the Executive Director of Research Compliance and Operations to support Sponsored Programs Finance
Manage a team of professionals responsible for the administration of post-award grants and contracts and supervision of vendors, including invoice approval
Guide project workflows and timelines, ensuring ongoing training and career enrichment for all staff
Guide the continual enhancement of program operations, monitor progress against key milestones, and adjust strategies as necessary to ensure the achievement of successful outcomes
Direct and oversee all facets of post-award financial administration, ensuring precise budgeting, diligent expenditure monitoring, and prompt financial reporting
Ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor regulations, and university policy, and coordinate audits to effectively resolve complex financial matters
Translate accounting requirements into practical, operational processes; coordinating accounting processes to align with new and revised University, state, and federal regulations
Review and approve accounting transactions, journal entries, management reports, and internal financial documents
Provide ongoing, comprehensive program management and development by proactively identifying areas for process optimization, fostering team collaboration, and ensuring program initiatives are strategically aligned with organizational objectives; communicate regulatory and policy changes across the university
Serve as a key liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including funding agencies and institutional leadership
Communicate complex post-award requirements and changes effectively to all relevant parties
As a representative of GCA, actively engage with campus stakeholders to foster collaboration and support process improvement
Ensure timely and accurate responses to public records requests, in accordance with university policies and applicable regulations
Oversee records retention in compliance with university, state, and federal regulations
Ensure training and cross training on business processes and systems
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field and 6 years of progressive experience in grants/contract administration or related field
OR Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, and 3 years of progressive experience in grants/contract administration or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for a degree
3 years of progressively responsible leadership/management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders, demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups and teams; create a culture of inclusion and equity throughout the team while supporting the overall culture of FPB
Expert knowledge of federal, state, and sponsor regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR, agency-specific rules)
Demonstrated experience in governmental fund accounting
Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage complex portfolios
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and interpersonal abilities, with a proven capacity to solve complex problems, efficiently manage multiple priorities, and foster positive working relationships across diverse teams
Proficiency with grants management systems, accounting software, or financial software
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrate the ability to foster collaborative working relationships and effectively navigate complex and sensitive administrative issues
Preferred
Knowledge of Workday Finance
Knowledge of the University of Washington pre- and post-award policies and procedures
Benefits
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/
Company
University of Washington
University of Washington is an educational institution that provides undergraduate, graduate, and research programs.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Washington 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 (249)
2024 (211)
2023 (159)
2022 (171)
2021 (169)
2020 (154)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$215.35MKey Investors
Avista foundationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesAdvanced Research Projects Agency for Health
2026-01-18Grant· $10M
2025-04-21Grant· $0.01M
2024-09-13Grant
Leadership Team
Andrew S Allen
Adjunct Professor
Arthur Denny
Founder
Recent News
2026-01-19
Sports Business Journal
2026-01-09
Sports Business Journal
2026-01-09
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