Research Finance Assessment Lead

AlphaX

16h

About The Position

AlphaGov is assembling a consulting team for an anticipated university engagement and seeks an experienced Sponsored Research Finance Assessment Lead. The lead will evaluate the financial and operational practices supporting the institution’s sponsored research enterprise, work directly with university stakeholders, and translate findings into practical recommendations to strengthen financial oversight, improve research administration, and support effective grant management.

This is a project-based consulting opportunity. Work may be performed remotely, with periodic on-site sessions based on project needs. Final scope, schedule, compensation, and start date will be confirmed as the engagement is finalized. Applicants should submit a résumé and a brief summary of relevant experience, highlighting at least two comparable university or academic research assessments, including dates, role, scope, and deliverables.

Requirements

• At least seven years of experience in sponsored research finance, sponsored programs administration, or research administration finance.
• Experience completing at least two comparable assessments, audits, or consulting engagements for universities or academic research institutions within the past five years.
• Strong knowledge of the full grants lifecycle, including proposal budgeting, award management, grants accounting, subrecipient monitoring, and closeout.
• Working knowledge of Uniform Guidance, federal cost principles, personnel expense documentation, and F&A rate structures.
• Ability to assess both financial controls and the operational processes behind them.
• Experience presenting findings and recommendations to senior leaders, including chief financial officers and vice presidents for research.
• Strong analytical, writing, interviewing, and project leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Consulting or advisory experience is preferred.
• University research administration and finance leaders with relevant assessment experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead an end-to-end assessment of sponsored research finance, including pre-award and post-award processes, grants accounting, cost allocation, and financial reporting.
• Evaluate processes and controls supporting compliance with applicable federal requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), documentation of personnel expenses, cost allowability, and facilities and administrative (F&A) cost recovery.
• Review the grants lifecycle, from proposal budgeting and award setup through subrecipient monitoring and closeout.
• Interview research administration, finance, and departmental stakeholders to understand current practices, responsibilities, and operational challenges.
• Document workflows, identify control gaps and bottlenecks, and assess opportunities to improve coordination.
• Benchmark operations against relevant peer institutions and established research administration practices.
• Develop a findings report and implementation roadmap with prioritized recommendations, sequencing, estimated costs, and resource needs.
• Present findings to senior university leadership and help stakeholders understand required decisions and actions.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed