Research Administrator II

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

43d

About The Position

This position is located in the College of Education (COE) and reports to the Research Administration Manager of the Shared Services Post Award Coordinated Service (SSC). This is the second level of a three-level series. The Research Administrator II provides high level expertise for complex transactions, and facilitates advances in service delivery and efficiency. Independent judgment, initiative, and ability to coordinate a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment characterize this position. The Research Administrator II serves departments and the college by providing support in monitoring, processing, reviewing and approving transactional activities relating to human resources, commitment accounting, and fiscal processes. This position serves as the primary source of front line service in the Shared Services Post-Award Coordinated Center. This position requires critical thinking, and excellent problem-solving skills. The employee in this position must have superior customer service skills and is expected to provide excellent customer service to management and staff. They will provide timely, accurate, and consistent responses to inquiries and transactional work concerning grants.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and two years of experience in grant and contract administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Must possess critical thinking skills.
Knowledge of myUFL as it relates to human resource transactions, payroll, travel, grants, all fiscal functions, account reconciliations and monthly budgetary reporting.
Must understand and practice excellent customer service.
Must possess a professional attitude which is conveyed in all interactions, communications and appearance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to organize, manage, and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Must be able to work well in a team environment.
Must be self-motivated. Excellent judgment and decision-making ability
Must be able to work independently with demonstrated problem-solving skills and attention to details.
Must have knowledge of and experience with university and state regulations regarding fiscal, budget, grants and human resources matters.

Responsibilities

Processes and reviews transactions in the Shared Services Center. Upon notice of award this position is responsible for all fiscal activity related to any contract/grant assigned to their portfolio.
Responsible for monitoring the daily activities for all projects, including but not limited to, the release and transfer of funds into appropriate expenditure categories and ensuring that expenditures are in compliance with project guidelines.
Approving purchases and payments of project related materials and coordinating project related travel, ensuring expenditures and payments are appropriate and in accordance with agency and award stipulations.
Assist PIs by providing information for and/or preparing progress reports and annual reviews or other agency required reports, as needed.
Provide monthly reports to PIs, keeping them apprised of the fiscal status of their projects.
Work to project expenditures and salary costs for the entire budget period of the project to ensure that the project is neither over spent nor inappropriately under spent. Create and maintain file database for all current projects.
Responsible for managing accurate and timely closeouts of projects, monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance with Cost Accounting Standards, University of Florida policy and agency guidelines.
Assist PI in preparing final reports for granting agencies.
Notify PIs of reporting requirements, IRB expirations, upcoming project completion dates and other milestones.
Work closely with PIs and other research administrators within the unit.
Assist new PIs with the UFirst system and the rules and regulations of the post-award office.
Serves as liaison between the unit and Human Resource Services, Academic Personnel, Payroll, Purchasing Services, Disbursement Services or General Accounting.
Provides technical assistance to PIs, research administrators and the director.
Interacts with PIs and staff to resolve problems and correct errors in fund management.
Confer with investigators and campus administrators to ensure that changes or corrections are made as needed.
On a monthly basis, reviews, analyzes, and reconciles grant accounts.
Reviews expenditures, balances, and transactional detail.
Monitors and reviews all processes and initiates modifications as appropriate.
Researches operational problems and errors and recommends/implements solutions in a timely manner.
Actively addresses issues and presents customer feedback to Shared Services Center team.
Works with SSC team members to keep abreast of regulatory, compliance, process, enterprise system upgrades and technology changes.
Interprets UF policies, procedures, and regulations; and college policies relating to fiscal and human resources transactions.