Senior Director of Grants Administration and Compliance

University of Memphis•Memphis, TN

About The Position

Directs and oversees the University's grant administration and compliance operations, including post-award accounting, grant billing, financial reporting, reconciliations, cash management, audits, and regulatory compliance. Ensures sponsored program funds are managed in accordance with applicable federal regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), sponsor requirements, state rules, and University policies. Provides strategic leadership to strengthen financial controls, improve operational efficiency, support principal investigators and departments, and safeguard the University's research and sponsored program resources. The role directs post-award financial administration and supports the integrity of sponsored-program finances through account monitoring, reconciliations, internal controls, financial reporting, and compliance oversight. It coordinates audit activity and corrective action, provides training and technical guidance to faculty and administrative personnel, and establishes performance measures and service standards. The position also evaluates and improves processes and provides financial analyses and management reports to executive leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant area.
Eight years of relevant experience.
Extensive knowledge of federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
Strong understanding of governmental and nonprofit accounting principles, grant accounting, and sponsored-program administration.
Extensive experience with grant billing, fund accounting, reconciliations, accounts receivable management, and financial compliance reporting.
Advanced experience coordinating Single Audits, external audits, and financial statement audit support.
Ability to analyze complex financial data and develop effective internal controls and process improvements.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills to work effectively with faculty, sponsors, auditors, and University leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
CPA licensure.
Knowledge of Oracle Fusion, Workday, or similar ERP systems used in higher education grant administration.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee post-award financial administration for sponsored programs, including grant accounting, financial reporting, billing, accounts receivable management, cost accounting, effort-reporting support, cash draws, and award closeouts.
Monitor and reconcile sponsored-program expenditures, revenues, receivables, deferred revenue, and fund balances to ensure financial integrity.
Develop and maintain internal controls and financial procedures in accordance with federal, state, sponsor, and University requirements.
Review complex accounting transactions, cost transfers, journal entries, and financial adjustments related to sponsored awards.
Direct the preparation and review of grant billings, sponsor financial reports, invoices, cash reimbursement requests, and accounts receivable collections.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of sponsored-program accounts.
Monitor outstanding receivables and resolve billing discrepancies with sponsors and departments.
Ensure timely submission of financial reports required by sponsoring agencies.
Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and control activities for sponsored-program administration.
Conduct compliance reviews and risk assessments, and identify corrective actions and process improvements.
Interpret sponsor regulations and financial compliance requirements for University stakeholders.
Serve as the primary liaison for sponsored programs during external financial audits, federal compliance audits, and internal reviews.
Coordinate responses to auditor requests and develop corrective action plans as needed.
Work with the Controller's Office, Financial Reporting, Internal Audit, and external auditors on grant-related financial reporting.
Support preparation of information for the University's annual financial statement audit and Single Audit.
Develop and deliver training for faculty, principal investigators, grant administrators, and departmental personnel on grant accounting, budgeting, allowable costs, effort certification, sponsor financial requirements, and compliance obligations.
Provide departments with guidance and technical assistance to promote sound financial management and stewardship of sponsored funds.
Establish performance measures and service standards for grants administration operations.
Evaluate processes and implement improvements to efficiency, customer service, compliance, and financial accountability.
Maintain awareness of emerging regulations, accounting standards, and best practices affecting sponsored-program administration.
Prepare financial analyses, metrics, and management reports for executive leadership to support strategic decisions about sponsored funding and institutional growth.
Perform other duties as assigned.