Senior Sponsored Research Accountant - Finance Division

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university renowned for groundbreaking brain science, creative start-ups, big data, and robotics. The Finance Division supports the university’s education, research, and strategic goals through financial management and stewardship.

About the role

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Senior Sponsored Research Accountant to serve as a cornerstone of our research administration team. In this pivotal role, you will act as a trusted financial advisor, compliance leader, and driver of process innovation, governing a complex portfolio of sponsored awards and providing expert guidance to Principal Investigators and department administrators.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Stewardship & Integrity (25%)
  • Drive the financial close process for sponsored projects in collaboration with Cash Management, ensuring adherence to sponsor terms, university policy, and federal regulations.
  • Ensure the integrity of financial data and lead rigorous reconciliation of all project accounts before submitting invoices and reports.
  • Govern revenue recognition for the sponsored projects portfolio, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and institutional standards.
  • Architect the timely and accurate execution of revenue events within the financial system.
• Compliance Leadership & Expert Consultation (25%)
  • Serve as a key partner and compliance advisor to Principal Investigators (PIs) and department business managers, translating complex regulations into actionable guidance.
  • Champion a culture of compliance by proactively identifying, diagnosing, and resolving complex financial issues related to expenditures, reporting, and award terms.
  • Lead and coordinate federal multi-agency audit responses, serving as the principal point of contact and directing the compilation of evidence.
  • Maintain and disseminate authoritative knowledge of federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
  • Function as a key liaison and subject matter expert for the broader campus community, ensuring a consistent and compliant approach to research administration.
• Comprehensive Award & Systems Governance (20%)
  • Architect the end-to-end setup of new awards, ensuring alignment with university, sponsor, and federal requirements for both non-profit and for-profit sponsors.
  • Provide expert consultation regarding the financial administration of the award lifecycle, including funding modifications and budget validation.
  • Ensure seamless data synchronization between project modules and the general ledger to maintain financial accuracy and system integrity.
• Advanced Portfolio Management & Analytics (25%)
  • Command a diverse and complex portfolio of sponsored projects, applying a sophisticated understanding of sponsor-specific regulations for federal, foundation, and corporate awards.
  • Design and implement intuitive financial dashboards and data visualizations to provide PIs and leadership with real-time insights.
  • Orchestrate the timely and accurate delivery of all financial reports, validating cost-sharing commitments and monitoring project deliverables.
  • Conduct sophisticated budget-to-actual variance analysis, identify financial risks and opportunities, and provide actionable intelligence to guide project spending.
  • Provide rigorous oversight of all sub-awardee invoicing, reporting, and compliance, and monitor key personnel effort to ensure alignment with commitments.
  • Lead the comprehensive reconciliation and final closeout of awards, ensuring all financial, technical, and compliance requirements are satisfied and documented.
• Process Innovation & Institutional Contribution (5%)
  • Identify and spearhead process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of sponsored project administration.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on cross-functional project teams and contribute to strategic departmental and institutional goals.
  • Collaborate with research administration and campus teams to identify and implement improvements to shared business and technology processes.
  • Mentor junior staff members, fostering a collaborative environment of continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Engineer training sessions to inform the research community of best practices and unified processes.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in grant and contract accounting, sponsored research administration, or a closely related field.
• High proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• Successful background check.

Qualifications

• Mastery of federal regulations governing research, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FAR, and CAS.
• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with a proven ability to interpret and apply complex policies and regulations.
• Superior communication and people skills, with the ability to effectively advise and influence a wide range of stakeholders, from faculty to senior administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree (MBA, MPA) or professional certification (CPA, CRA - Certified Research Administrator).
• Experience in a university, academic medical center, or non-profit research institution.
• Experience managing complex awards such as large federal contracts, clinical trials, or multi-site program projects.
• Experience in leading process improvement projects or system implementation initiatives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Tuition benefits.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to a Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs.
• Fitness center access.

Pay

Salary-based compensation.

Schedule

Full time.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA