Rice360 NEST Financial Monitor and Analyst

About the Role

The NEST Financial Monitor & Analyst is part of the Rice360 Institute for Global Health NEST360 project team, working closely with Rice360 Faculty Directors and the Executive Director on budget oversight and reporting for the NEST360 project. This role serves as a key liaison with domestic and international partner institutions, tracking, analyzing, and reporting finances for the multi-year, multi-institution, multimillion-dollar NEST360 research project.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and interprets legal documents for financial terms and conditions.
• Ensures correct account setup in financial systems to maintain compliance.
• Prepares financial reports and coordinates with Sponsored Projects, Research Compliance, and institutional representatives.
• Monitors sponsored project activity, including cost overruns, cost sharing, and unallowable expenses.
• Performs reconciliations and analyses of expenditures and final award closeouts.
• Interprets complex university and government policies.
• Serves as a liaison among the University, sponsors, and department staff.
• Develops complex budgets, forecasting scenarios, and long-range plans.
• Recommends solutions and policy changes to improve processes.
• Leads and executes cross-functional projects and teams.
• Engages in continuous analysis of systems and processes to improve efficiencies and internal controls.
• Represents the organization to client groups and external partners as a subject matter expert.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 2+ years of experience in grant-funded research budget oversight, expenditure tracking, and analysis in a higher education setting.
• Additional related education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of contract and grant procedures, accounting principles, and Uniform Guidance.
• Advanced working knowledge of Excel and financial systems.
• Strong problem-solving, customer service, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with complex research budget oversight and international subawards (preferred).
• Familiarity with Rice University financial systems (e.g., Banner, iO) and research compliance (preferred).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (preferred).
• Strong project management and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

Benefits

For information on Rice University benefits, visit: Rice University HR | Benefits.

Pay

Hiring Range: $61,000 - $69,000/year, contingent upon qualifications and experience.

Schedule

On-site, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work. Work arrangements may change per Rice policy 440.

Additional Information

This position is funded by grant, soft, and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent upon the renewal of funding.