Senior Research Receivables Analyst Research, Financial Operations

Boston University•Boston, MA

3d•$72,000 - $83,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Research Receivables Analyst owns end-to-end invoicing and accounts receivable for a diverse and highly complex portfolio of sponsored projects. The role ensures timely, accurate billing, active accounts receivable follow-up, and full payment resolution in accordance with sponsor terms, federal and non-federal regulations, and University policy. It requires advanced interpretation of award documents, preparation and submission of sponsor invoices, knowledge of sponsored research administration, strong analytical skills, and the ability to navigate complex systems. The analyst uses SAP extensively for invoice creation and posting, accounts receivable subledger analysis, dunning and collections, cash application review, and portfolio-level reporting. The position also identifies root causes of aged or problematic receivables, contributes to standardized billing and collections procedures, and partners with management on strategic, data-driven projects that advance departmental goals and operational efficiency. The role provides customer service to principal investigators, administrators, and central partners, and contributes to training and communication of policy updates. The position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, with remote work up to three days per week after completion of a successful observation period. The stated salary range is $61,200 to $104,100, with new hires expected to receive an initial annual salary between $72,000 and $83,000, depending on related experience, expertise, available budget, and internal equity.

Requirements

Knowledge of sponsored research administration.
Strong analytical skills.
Ability to navigate complex systems.
Ability to interpret complex award and contract terms and apply sponsor requirements and federal and non-federal regulations.

Responsibilities

Prepare, submit, and track sponsor invoices, including cost-reimbursable, milestone, and other award types, across agency portals.
Research, analyze, and resolve short payments, overpayments, unapplied cash, and sponsor discrepancies.
Monitor accounts receivable aging and follow up on delinquencies through final resolution.
Investigate complex payment issues, including partial payments, denied costs, sponsor offsets, and timing differences.
Coordinate with sponsors, central offices, and internal stakeholders to achieve full and accurate cash recovery.
Generate and analyze monthly unbilled and accounts receivable reports, identifying risks, trends, and actionable insights for management.
Review and recommend write-offs with full justification and supporting documentation, and present packages to Research Financial Operations management for approval.
Review and interpret complex federal, non-federal, industry, and foundation award and contract terms to ensure sponsor-compliant invoicing and reporting.
Apply evolving federal and non-federal regulations and assess downstream billing and cash impact.
Use SAP for invoice creation and posting, accounts receivable subledger analysis, dunning and collections, cash application review, and portfolio-level reporting.
Identify root causes of aged or problematic receivables and assist management with recommendations to standardize billing and collections procedures.
Provide customer service to principal investigators, administrators, and central partners, proactively communicating status, issues, and resolutions.
Contribute to training and dissemination of policy updates.
Partner with management on strategic, data-driven projects to advance departmental goals and operational efficiency.