ORA Grants Analyst 3, Full Time

This position is with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship, Office of Research Administration (ORA) at the University of Miami.

About the role

This position monitors sponsored research accounts from award set-up through closeout while adhering to University, State, and Federal policies. The Grants Analyst 3 plays an important role in post-award compliance to ensure budgets are not overspent, grant periods are adhered to, costs are allowable under the grant, and accounting records are maintained accurately and for the proper duration.

The ORA Grants Analyst 3 oversees the maintenance of timely and accurate financial records in accordance with standard fiscal practices and requirements for grant functions in assigned division(s). This role manages budgets for all government grants and contracts and provides grant accounting services for awards made by sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Ensures timely preparation and submission of monthly vouchers and expenditure justifications.
• Assists management with the preparation of program budgets, modifications, and forecasts.
• Performs grant-related functions such as budget distributions, expense monitoring, periodic invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Accomplishes grant closeout functions, including reconciliations, financial status reports, and final invoices.
• Communicates with fiscal contacts at funding sources for problem resolution and information gathering.
• Maintains knowledge of current issues relating to grants and single audits of federal, state, and local government and non-profit organizations.
• Participates in the completion of all aspects of the annual audit report on federal awards.
• Monitors the general ledger and enters any adjustments or reclassifications.
• Investigates discrepancies, interprets agreements and regulations, and provides recommendations based on sound accounting practices.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
• Serves as a team lead and assists with or performs grant-related post-award functions, including award setup, budget distributions, expense monitoring, periodic invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Performs grant closeout functions including reconciliations, financial status reports, final invoices, final reporting, and review of amounts collected and refunds.
• Liaises with the department and agency on resolution for all matters related to the grant closeout process.
• Performs analysis and support for projects.
• Creates journal entries (JEs) to allocate residuals/overdrafts and/or overhead discrepancies to departmental accounts as a result of reconciliations/closeouts.
• Assesses needs and aids in the resolution of grant-related matters in conjunction with the principal investigator or department administrator.
• Assists with the time and effort reporting system, ensuring it is complete and in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Supports the sponsored programs core unit and department in education and training.
• Maintains regular communications with the department and communicates with fiscal contacts at the funding source for problem resolution and information gathering.
• Assists in the completion of all aspects of the annual audit report on federal awards.
• Responsible for awards funded by federal and not-for-profit sponsors based on assigned portfolios.
• Serves as backup to approve expense transactions to ensure accuracy and completes journal entries.
• Ensures high-quality and efficient service to the research community and participates in innovative customer service initiatives.
• In conjunction with supervisor, assesses needs and aids in the resolution of matters in conjunction with the principal investigator or department administrator.
• Maintains knowledge of current federal issues relating to grants and single audits; interprets OMB Uniform Guidance for all sponsored awards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive Grant Accounting experience.
• Analysis of large data sets.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education and/or work experience may be considered.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) status or equivalent designation preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations related to Research Administration, including OMB Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and major Federal funding agency guidelines.
• Excellent computer skills and facility with using MS Excel (sorting, pivot tables, filtering, basic formulas).
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate and summarize numbers into an understandable narrative.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form with a diverse group of individuals.
• Demonstrated experience using institutional systems.
• General knowledge of office procedures and operations.
• Skill in data entry with minimal errors.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, reports, and correspondence.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Schedule

Full-time