Grants and Contracts Associate (Sponsored Awards Specialist) - OVCR

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

56d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sponsored Awards Specialist will provide assistance and expertise to facilitate and oversee post-award accounting activities for sponsored projects administered by the Office of Sponsored Programs. This role involves applying specialized knowledge about data maintenance to ensure operations are conducted in compliance with University/departmental policies and procedures and applicable state/federal laws, and adhere to contractual obligations. Key responsibilities include setting up and closing out sponsored project funds, performing complex analysis of post-award financial data/information, assisting with the production of managerial business and financial reports, and initiating/performing other administrative responsibilities that require specialized knowledge about sponsored project post-award administration to effectively integrate established University/sponsor regulations and guidelines with applicable policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position
Demonstrated direct experience in post-award administration of sponsored projects in the central research office at a research-intensive university, including Banner finance modules, managing award set-up, financial reconciliation, and sponsor reporting in compliance with federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance).

Nice To Haves

Experience work experience at the University of Illinois or another higher education institution.
Creativity in independently exercising good judgment and discretion.
Specialized knowledge about sponsored project post-award administration.
Knowledge about University business policies and procedures.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Professional skills that successfully merge organizational and customer service objectives.
Demonstrated teamwork skills to address/resolve difficult, complex issues/problems.
Proficiency with Microsoft computer programs/applications (including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and Internet Explorer).
Strong verbal and written communications skills to effectively present information and respond to colleagues and others seeking guidance and/or clarification about issues related to organizational operations.
Effective multi-tasking capability that promotes quality work while meeting stringent deadlines.
Ability to work effectively with the staff and public.
Decision making ability.

Responsibilities

Responsible for coordinating and performing comprehensive post-award financial accounting activities that require specialized knowledge to process and oversee complex operations related to grants and contracts financial administration, and to manage a higher volume of sponsored projects specific to assigned schools/colleges.
Managing the post-award lifecycle of sponsored projects, including grant set-up, billing/invoicing, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting, and close-out.
Develop and produce business and financial reports on post-award financial activities for distribution to departmental business managers and grant administrators, facilitating the timely closeout of federally funded grants and contracts.
Provide managerial assistance to develop and prepare external interim and final financial close-out reports required by both federal and non-federal sponsors that provide information regarding budgets, expenditures, unobligated balances, property, and other data outlined in the grant and contract terms and conditions.
Preparation of reports includes a limited audit of transactions related to restricted and unallowable cost categories to ensure propriety, allocability, correctness, and reasonableness issues align with governing sponsor policies and procedures.
Provide direction to University officials/staff to facilitate post-award activities, promote consistency in processing functions, and ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines established by University/sponsor constituencies, which requires expertise in post-award administration and specialized knowledge about applicable policies and procedures.
Responsible for maintaining specialized knowledge about sponsored project terms/conditions related to post-award accounting activities, as well as applicable university/departmental policies and procedures related to establishing and overseeing the administration of sponsored project accounts.
Conduct detailed, complex review and analysis of sponsor policies and procedures to effectively coordinate and manage pre-audit and post-audit business transactions related to restricted and unallowable cost categories for propriety, allocability, correctness, and reasonableness.
Responsible for analyzing and assessing customer communication issues to determine and initiate a course of action that effectively addresses concerns and/or resolves problems.
Provide managerial assistance to establish, implement, and oversee post-award financial and compliance policies for sponsored projects, including identifying areas in which policies need to be developed and/or updated to promote the overall effectiveness of operations and services administered by the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Serve on University, campus, and/or Office of Sponsored Programs committees/teams as assigned, and participate in the development and implementation of technological enhancements and process re-engineering projects.
Perform other duties appropriate for the position of Grants & Contacts Associate (Sponsored Award Specialist).