Financial Administrator 2 (Hybrid Role - SPARC)

About the Role

The Financial Administrator 2 provides financial expertise and problem-solving in support of the Sponsored Project and Research Catalyst’s (SPARC) research programs and mission as a shared service model within NUFSM. This position supports multiple units within FSM and manages a complex multi-component study with multiple pilot awardees tracked on chartfields.

Supports a university accounting-related area or program, managing financial operations and analysis in coordination with central offices such as HR, Budget, Financial Aid, Facilities, Purchasing, IT, and the Provost. Reviews financial operations for multiple schools/departments, addressing complex problems and ensuring compliance with policies, federal and state laws, and granting agency guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Performs all aspects of post-award financial management for sponsored projects.
• Budget:
  • Participates in budget determination, including fiscal resource allocation of appropriated, discretionary, endowment, and gift revenues.
  • Prepares analysis and reports, provides account research, and assists with budget projects.
  • Updates budget estimates and tracks commitments for all financial activity.
  • Ensures lead schedules are prepared and guides units through university budgeting and forecasting processes.
  • Reviews and reconciles actual expenses to budget per NU Audit guidelines.
  • Approves funds reallocation within budget as necessary.
• Analysis, Statements & Reporting:
  • Creates daily, monthly, annual, and project-end analysis and reports for grants, awards, accounts, funds, payroll, expense, and revenue allocation.
  • Prepares financial analysis and lead schedules for supplies, equipment, and personnel decisions.
  • Records journal entries, performs account reconciliations, and conducts transaction research.
  • Supports annual audit workpapers and quarterly financial statement workpapers.
  • Maintains and updates financial models and analysis.
• Transactions:
  • Reviews and oversees all types of financial transactions, including complex accounts.
  • Enters transactions into journals or the general ledger, ensures approval based on policy, and classifies transactions.
  • Processes transfers, appropriation charges, and reconciles accounts.
  • Troubleshoots problems, performs vendor/account research, and corrects or escalates issues.
  • Maintains the Chart of Accounts and prepares bank deposits.
  • Accesses banking systems to process transactions, retrieve information, or initiate wire transfers.
  • Provides financial policy interpretation and ensures compliance with rules and regulations.
  • Controls account availability for all chart strings and supports audit requests.
• Grants & Awards:
  • Reviews PI funding status monthly and collaborates with department/research administrators on financial grants management.
  • Provides data for grant proposals and submits proposals.
  • Develops and administers budgets, coordinates IRB/IACUC, OSR/ASRSP transactions, and effort reporting.
  • Interacts with faculty, staff, and funders to advise on research policies and procedures.
  • Monitors commitments and expenditures for compliance with granting agency guidelines.
  • Verifies accurate setup of sponsored project accounts.
• Administration:
  • Processes and presents data using database, graphic, and spreadsheet software.
  • Obtains data by downloading from enterprise systems and develops queries.
  • Performs general office support activities and manages computer systems supporting the area.
  • Ensures service level goals are met.
• Provides training and support to university units or program participants and maintains website and training materials.
• Supervises temporary, part-time, or work-study students, provides work direction, and assists with hiring employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field; OR an appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of experience in financial, budgeting, account reconciliations, financial statements, or financial analysis.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Paid vacation, holidays, medical/sick leave, and parental leave.
• Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
• Pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care.
• Retirement savings options and wellness programs.
• Work-life programs, including flexible work arrangements, childcare, and senior/adult care support.
• Professional growth and development resources, including career development tools and educational opportunities.

Pay

Target hiring range for this position is between $63,080 to $90,435 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and market alignment.