Director for Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA)

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including: Finance & Budget Strategy Institutional Analytics & Decision Support Policy, Planning & State Operations University Business Services Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA) is responsible for leading University-wide post-award research administration, providing essential services in accounting, compliance analysis, invoicing, and financial reporting to both internal and external stakeholders. GCA ensures effective and accurate management of research funding, supports institutional compliance, and facilitates financial transparency across the University of Washington. The Director for GCA oversees all aspects of strategic leadership for Grant and Contract Accounting. This role manages a team of fifty, including four direct reports, and oversees all aspects of post-award research administration, including accounting, compliance, invoicing, and financial reporting for the University. Key responsibilities include: 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 We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not feel they satisfy all of the skills listed below; we understand that it will take some time for the successful applicant to strengthen specific position skills where needed, to learn about the university systems, campuses, and vendor collaborators, and to develop a deep understanding of the FPB environment itself.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Workday Finance
Knowledge of the University of Washington pre- and post-award policies and procedures

Responsibilities

Strategy Development 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
Leadership / Team Management 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
Accounting and Program Management 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