Senior Research Financial Analyst

Aston Carter•Springfield, MA

5d•$36 - $49•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Research Financial Analyst oversees a wide range of sponsored program financial activities, with a focus on complex reporting, compliance monitoring, and process optimization. Reporting to the Senior Director of Research Operations, this role serves as a subject matter expert for research financial systems and Grants Management, ensuring accurate, efficient, and compliant financial workflows. The position emphasizes internal financial operations, strategic improvements, and cross-functional collaboration, requiring strong attention to detail, advanced systems and reporting skills, and a commitment to maintaining regulatory and institutional compliance.

Requirements

5–7+ years of progressive financial management experience with sponsored programs or grants, including financial reporting, compliance, and audit support.
Hands-on expertise with research financial systems and Grants Management modules, with the ability to configure, maintain, and optimize system attributes.
Advanced proficiency in Excel, including complex reconciliations, data analysis, and financial reporting.
Strong knowledge of federal and state grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance and audit requirements.
Working knowledge of federal and non-federal grant regulations and compliance frameworks related to sponsored programs.
Expertise in sponsored program accounting, budgeting, and compliance, including post-award financial management.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and review complex financial reports, reconciliations, and analyses for sponsored programs.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and explain complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and adapt to evolving regulatory and operational requirements.
Ability to analyze trends, identify risks, and recommend actionable solutions to support organizational goals.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred but not required.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is preferred but not required.
Experience serving as a subject matter expert for financial systems and Grants Management modules.
Experience mentoring, training, or providing performance support to junior financial analysts.
Demonstrated success in coordinating year-end audit preparation and compliance reviews for sponsored programs.
Experience leading or supporting change management initiatives within financial operations.
Proven ability to troubleshoot system issues and collaborate with technical teams to implement enhancements.
Strong aptitude for learning new financial systems and tools used in research finance.

Responsibilities

Oversee sponsored program financial activities, including preparation of year-end audit documentation for assigned research entities.
Prepare and review complex financial reports, reconciliations, and analyses for sponsored programs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
Maintain and enhance Grants Management attributes within the financial systems to support accurate and timely reporting.
Troubleshoot financial system issues, identify root causes, and recommend or implement improvements to enhance data integrity and efficiency.
Coordinate year-end audit preparation and compliance reviews for sponsored programs, ensuring complete and accurate supporting documentation.
Monitor federal and non-federal regulations related to sponsored programs and apply updates within financial systems and processes as needed.
Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for research financial systems, including Grants Management modules.
Provide guidance and mentorship to Research Financial Analyst I and II staff on complex financial issues, system usage, and best practices.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and accuracy within research financial operations and lead initiatives to streamline workflows.
Manage invoicing, cash draws, and accounts receivable processes for sponsored programs to ensure timely billing and collections.
Prepare, review, correct, and submit journal entries, ensuring proper coding, documentation, and adherence to policies.
Ensure strict adherence to system and departmental compliance policies, as well as all applicable laws, regulations, and sponsor requirements.
Collaborate closely with Accounting, Sponsored Programs Administration, and other internal departments to ensure timely processing of journal entries, budget adjustments, and award closeouts.
Champion change management initiatives to improve consistency, effectiveness, and scalability of financial operations.
Provide mentorship, training, and performance management support for assigned financial analysts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Analyze financial trends, identify risks or variances, and recommend solutions that support organizational and research program goals.
Perform other duties as assigned to support research financial operations and evolving organizational needs.