Research Financial Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University•Detroit, MI

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Financial Administrator provides comprehensive financial and administrative support for the sponsored research shared services model within Wayne State University’s Division of Research and Innovation (DORI). The role serves as a resource for financial planning and post-award administration, providing analysis and guidance to support operational effectiveness, accurate financial management, and the long-term sustainability of research programs. The position reports to the Associate Director, Finance. The administrator manages and monitors unit budgets across multiple fund types, supports financial reporting and forecasting, oversees commitments and cost-sharing activities, and helps manage financial and budget functions for grant awards. The position also supports proposal and agreement preparation, reconciles human resources and financial management system data, forecasts expenses, and participates in multidisciplinary projects. Work is typically performed in an office or hybrid environment with frequent interaction with faculty, research staff, and administrative offices. Workload may increase during reporting cycles, proposal deadlines, or audits, and occasional extended hours may be necessary to meet institutional or sponsor deadlines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
Proficiency in Excel, data analysis, and financial projection reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and communicate with all levels on complex and sometimes sensitive issues.
Ability to write analytical and administrative reports for a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated skill in developing utilization plans and justifying acquisitions.
Computer skills to develop financial and administrative reporting systems, recommend hardware and software purchases, and troubleshoot problems.
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of contract and grant administration.
Skill in negotiating and formulating policies and programs.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience in research administration, grants and contract management, or financial administration preferred.
Experience in higher education, academic medical centers, or research institutions preferred.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or similar credential preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and monitor unit budgets in compliance with allocation methodologies, budget policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations across general funds, scholarships, endowments, and sponsored programs.
Provide financial reporting, forecasting, and analytical support to Division leadership and Principal Investigators for strategic planning and decision-making.
Develop financial analyses, statistical reports, and fiscal activity summaries for operational oversight, resource management, and long-term financial sustainability.
Oversee DORI commitments and cost-sharing activities, including budget development, financial monitoring, and compliance tracking.
Safeguard departmental assets and financial resources through expenditure oversight, proper fund allocation, and adherence to institutional and sponsor requirements.
Manage or assist with preparation of grant proposals, contractual agreements, associated budgets, and progress reports, ensuring timely submission and compliance with institutional or Division mandates.
Manage financial and budget aspects of grant award functions before and after award, including developing and reviewing budgets, understanding funding processes, and implementing financial, budgetary, and expenditure projections.
Reconcile Human Resource System data with Financial Management System data.
Prepare expense projections and forecasts in comparison with budget categories or line items to avoid deficits, optimize available funds, and adhere to approved budget parameters.
Facilitate, lead, and participate in projects and multidisciplinary teams.
Perform other related duties as assigned.