Post-Award Grants and Finance Specialist (Open Rank, Entry to Senior)

University of Colorado • Aurora, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Neurology has an opening for a motivated, full-time Post-Award Grants and Finance Specialist (a Research Services, Pre/Post Award Professional position). This position supports the financial management of sponsored projects within the Department of Neurology. This position is responsible for post-award financial activities including monitoring, reconciliation, reporting, and compliance for non-industry sponsored research projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field
• 1 year of experience in grants management, accounting, or financial administration (Intermediate Level)
• 2-3 years of experience with post-award grant management and financial reconciliation (Senior Level)
• Knowledge of sponsored project regulations (e.g., federal, state, institutional policies)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Experience with financial systems and advanced Excel skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a higher education or research environment
• Familiarity with grant management systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, CU systems, or similar)
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and distributing routine financial reports by pulling, verifying, and organizing financial data from university systems such as m-Fin and PeopleSoft.
• Support monthly reconciliations by reviewing transactions and flagging discrepancies by assisting with tracking expenditures against approved budgets
• Maintain grant records and documentation in compliance with sponsor and University requirements
• Provide administrative support for post-award processes, including data entry and report formatting. Assist with effort tracking, basic payroll review, and financial transactions (e.g., sending invoices to sponsor, submitting Marketplace requisitions, monitoring purchase orders, and completing journal entries).
• Support grant closeout activities through documentation preparation, clearing speed type encumbrances, and ensuring account code allowability.
• Monitor PCARD transactions to ensure complete documentation of all card transactions and that all transactions are made per university regulations and sponsor requirements.
• Conduct reconciliation and review of speedtype expenses and revenue
• Prepare and process journal entries and payroll expense transfers (PETs)
• Monitor budget-to-actual expenditures for salaries, benefits, operating costs, and F&A
• Prepare and provide financial reports to faculty and Neurology research administration
• Complete post-award activities including sponsor and institutional compliance, annual reporting, and closeout reporting
• Work with PI to prepare and submit necessary award actions to OCG or through agency websites including but not limited to no-cost extensions, changes in scope of work, budget revisions, restricted funds transfers, PI or Co-PI change or transfer, PI or Co-PI disengagement, requests for additional funding, and addition of new sub-awardee.
• Collaborate with the University Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) and other central offices
• Provide advanced analysis, compliance oversight, and strategic guidance for post-award financial management.
• Analyze financial trends and recommend improvements to financial performance and compliance
• Serve as a key advisor to faculty and research administration on grant financial matters
• Oversee complex or high-risk post-award activities, including compliance and reporting
• Review financial reports, reconciliations, and budget monitoring for accuracy and risk
• Collaborate with central offices on complex financial or compliance issues
• Independently manage the day to day operations of post award grants management for the department.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 15/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level