Financial Specialist, Sr.

Arizona State University•Tempe, AZ

3d•$50,823 - $63,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Candidates interested in a career with a focus on Research Advancement financials are invited to apply to join the team at ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment (SSEBE) within the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (FSE). Members of the Research Advancement Team are responsible for providing financial oversight of grants and contracts while working closely with faculty who are making impactful advances in solving today’s global issues. Individuals who understand the principles of financial practices, possess excellent customer service skills, and value continuous improvement are desired. In addition to providing financial support to faculty, this position will supervise the post-award team that are responsible for managing sponsored research projects and faculty discretionary accounts. This is a mid-career track position (Level 3 of 7) reporting to the SSEBE Assistant Director Research Advancement with opportunities to increase complexity based on job performance, as well as growth into multiple branches of specialization or supervisory tracks.

Requirements

Knowledge of sponsored program financial management, including post-award administration, budgeting, forecasting, cost share requirements, and F&A principles.
Strong understanding of federal regulations and sponsor requirements, including Uniform Guidance, audit standards, and agency-specific terms and conditions.
Knowledge of institutional financial systems and eRA systems, including budgeting tools, accounting platforms, and reporting systems.
Skill in analyzing complex financial data, identifying discrepancies, and applying corrective actions.
Ability to apply allowability, allocability, and reasonableness standards to sponsored project expenditures.
Ability to prepare accurate and compliant financial reports, invoices, and reconciliations under strict deadlines.
Skill in interpreting sponsor guidelines and translating them into operational steps for faculty and staff.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
Excellent communication and customer service skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, central offices, and external sponsors.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating sound judgment and high attention to detail.
Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Nice To Haves

Experience in research administration, particularly post-award financial management.
Demonstrated experience managing cost share commitments, tracking, documentation, and reporting.
Experience interpreting and applying Uniform Guidance, federal agency terms, and audit requirements.
Advanced skill in budget development, multi-year financial planning, and scenario modeling.
Experience managing complex sponsored project portfolios with multiple funding sources.
Proficiency with institutional financial systems, eRA platforms, and automated reporting tools.
Strong analytical skills, including financial forecasting and variance analysis.
Experience with effort reporting, payroll certification, and related compliance requirements.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, researchers, and cross-functional administrative units.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly.
Experience working in environments with competing deadlines, sensitive information, and frequent priority changes.

Responsibilities

Manage all post-award financial activities for sponsored projects, including award setup, budget allocation, expenditure monitoring, and monthly account reconciliations.
Prepare, review, and revise project budgets, including budget justifications, re-budgets, and multi-year financial planning.
Prepare and submit sponsor financial reports and invoices, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with award terms.
Monitor expenditures for allowability, allocability, and consistency, identifying issues and implementing corrective actions.
Review and approve financial transactions, such as cost transfers, payroll allocations, journal entries, procurement, and subaward invoices.
Manage cost share commitments, including tracking, documentation, reporting, and ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
Provide financial forecasting and portfolio analysis (burn rates, projections, variance analysis) to support faculty decision-making.
Lead award closeout processes, ensuring timely final reconciliations, final reports, and compliance documentation.
Collaborate with pre-award, compliance, departmental, and central finance units to ensure accuracy and consistency across the award lifecycle.
Serve as a financial resource to faculty and staff, providing guidance on sponsored project financial policies, procedures, and best practices.