Grant Specialist I - Accounting

Rice University•Houston, TX

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Grant Specialist I – Accounting plays a key role in the financial post-award administration of sponsored research at Rice University. This position is responsible for preparing and executing timely and accurate federal drawdowns, invoicing sponsors in accordance with contractual terms, and managing the accounts receivable lifecycle for externally funded awards. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), sponsor requirements, and university policies. I deal Candidate Statement: The successful applicant must function well in a high-workload environment requiring prioritization and meeting deadlines; take initiative, exercise independent judgment and discretion; be detail-oriented; and be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Further duties and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs and goals of the Research and Cost Accounting (RCA) department and Rice University.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
1+ years of related experience
Works effectively with others; helps others solve problems; promotes teamwork and cooperation among individuals and/or departments
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision-making abilities
Analyze accounting transactions and reconcile information
Strong customer service skills
Strong working knowledge of Excel

Nice To Haves

Experience in research, invoicing, accounts receivable, or department administration
Experience using research administration systems, including but not limited to federal government portals such as Payment Management System (PMS), ACM$ (Research.gov), FedConnect, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, and Cayuse
Effectively plans work, considering time, deadlines, and support/resources required from other individuals and departments
Provides input or specifies necessary figures, data, or guidance as needed
Completes job responsibilities within the required timeframe, according to established schedules or workflow requirements
Experience facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork
Displays an ability to evaluate areas needing improvement and effectively communicates to department leadership
Reviews and assesses information before making decisions and solving problems
Uses proper judgment and knowledge of established practices and procedures when addressing problems or issues

Responsibilities

Generate, review, and submit accurate and timely invoices for a variety of sponsors, including federal, state, local, and private funding agencies
Prepare and submit federal drawdowns via PMS, ASAP, and other sponsor payment systems, ensuring compliance with grant terms and funding agency requirements
Sponsored Projects Closeout and Account Reconciliations (A/R, cash, revenue, refunds)
Ensure that federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, Rice University, and department policies and procedures are observed and followed
Effectively assess and complete post-award activities for the sponsored programs community; plan, coordinate, and process post-award transactions
Work collaboratively and effectively with the sponsored programs community
Conduct clear and concise communications supporting the sponsored programs mission
Manage sponsored projects post-award activities utilizing critical thinking, problem-solving, independent initiative, and facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork
Serve as a post-award resource to the sponsored programs community on federal, industry, state, and non-profit awards as assigned
Participate as a team member on selected projects
Effectively foster personal and professional growth through a variety of educational and professional strategies
Maintain accurate records of assigned sponsored program activities