Manager, Sponsored Projects Accounting and Reporting

Georgetown University

7d•$54,616 - $100,493•Remote

About The Position

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world. Job Overview Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Sponsored Projects Financial Operations (SPFO), the Manager of Sponsored Projects Accounting and Reporting supports the tactical, strategic, and operational objectives of SPFO regarding externally funded projects. The Manager serves as the operational leader of the centralized core functional unit driving sponsor billing, financial reporting, award setup review, and award closeout across the University’s sponsored research enterprise. Operating within a matrix structure, the Manager promotes business continuity, workload redundancy, and and consistent service standards across distributed SPFO functions. To maintain advanced technical expertise and support effective operational oversight, the Manager actively maintains direct, hands-on management of a portfolio consisting of the University’s most sensitive, complex, or high-risk sponsored awards. Key Responsibilities: Operational Oversight& Technical Review: directs day-to-day accounting and reporting operations, including centralized sponsor billing, financial reporting and closeout processes ensuring compliance with the terms of the awards and applicable laws, regulations and university policies Leadership, Matrix Coordination & Customer Service: Provides operational leadership and functional oversight for the SPFO Financial Analysts team, supporting coordinated sponsored billing, reporting, and closeout activities across SPFO. Serves as a key resource to faculty, principal investigators, Senior Business Manger, Finance staff and departmental staff while partnering with leadership to improve workflow efficiency, operational coordination, and staff development and process optimization. Quality Assurance, Continuity & Audit Assistance: Maintains hands-on operational expertise through direct management of complex sponsored awards while supporting quality assurance, cross-training, business continuity, audit readiness, and sponsor review activities across SPFO. Financial System Management: Ensure financial related information is accurately accounted for and proper documentation is maintained within the University’s Financial System, including the review and approval of award setup and modification requests. Additional Duties: Participates in special projects, strategic initiatives, and operational improvement efforts, as assigned by the Senior Director. This position will have direct reports under its supervision. Work Interactions The Manager directly reports to the Senior Director of SPFO. This position operates as a matrix leader, working daily with SPFO staff, Principal Investigators (PIs), Grant Managers, Department Administrators, Senior Business Managers, Office of Joint Research Administration (JORA) staff, and the GMS Core Team. Externally, the Manager acts as a key liaison with Federal agencies, other government organizations, and private sponsors to resolve complex billing/ reporting related matters. Impact This position plays a key role in supporting the University’s sponsored financial stewardship, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance by ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant sponsor billing, financial reporting, award setup, and closeout activities across the sponsored award lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Five to seven years of relevant experience in sponsored projects accounting, financial reporting, or grants management, preferably in a higher education or research institution setting.
Strong understanding of Federal regulations and compliance requirements related to sponsored projects
Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to train and develop staff.
Exceptional organizational skills, high attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining data integrity under tight operational deadlines.
Strong analytical, financial tracking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify systemic errors and propose operational solutions.
Effective oral and written communication skills, paired with strong interpersonal capabilities to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
Knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance, federal agency, and external sponsor accounting and reporting requirements
Knowledge of complex accounting system, WorkDay preferred.

Nice To Haves

Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) designation preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Directs day-to-day accounting and reporting operations, including centralized sponsor billing, financial reporting and closeout processes ensuring compliance with the terms of the awards and applicable laws, regulations and university policies
Provides operational leadership and functional oversight for the SPFO Financial Analysts team, supporting coordinated sponsored billing, reporting, and closeout activities across SPFO.
Serves as a key resource to faculty, principal investigators, Senior Business Manger, Finance staff and departmental staff while partnering with leadership to improve workflow efficiency, operational coordination, and staff development and process optimization.
Maintains hands-on operational expertise through direct management of complex sponsored awards while supporting quality assurance, cross-training, business continuity, audit readiness, and sponsor review activities across SPFO.
Ensure financial related information is accurately accounted for and proper documentation is maintained within the University’s Financial System, including the review and approval of award setup and modification requests.
Participates in special projects, strategic initiatives, and operational improvement efforts, as assigned by the Senior Director.
This position will have direct reports under its supervision.