Columbia University

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $68,000 - $75,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

CIESIN invites candidates for the role of Pre & Post Award Financial Analyst to support our Finance and Grants function. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting all grant related pre-award administrative activities including assisting principal investigators in preparation and submission of proposals. They will also provide efficient and effective post-award accounting, management & reconciliation of sponsored funding, and serve as liaison to Sponsored Projects Administration, Sponsored Projects Finance and other collaborating departments to ensure grants are being properly managed.

The Pre & Post Award Financial Analyst will work to assure that the administration of sponsored programs related to research complies with federal, state and private agency rules and regulations. This position will report directly to the Associate Director of Finance & Administration and will work closely with the Senior Finance Manager.

Responsibilities

Pre-Award:

• Assist in the development of grant budgets and budget justifications based on the information provided and in full compliance with sponsor/donor and CU policies;
• Reviews budget, monitors compliance with agency and University regulations regarding submissions and verifies all financial information to include application of the appropriate overhead rate for the project;
• Coordinates and reviews certain proposal elements (bio-sketches and facilities & resources) for consistency, accuracy, and completeness;
• Reviews proposals for consistency with sponsor guidelines on budget, format, font size, page limits excluding narrative content (obtain and review sponsor guidelines);
• Monitors proposal status and advises PI on requirements, research protection protocols, and deadlines;
• Prepares and compiles all components of each grant submission, ensures that the proposal is formatted, packaged, and submitted in accordance with granting agency requirements;
• Prepares summary reports of applications submissions and outcomes to Associate Director of Finance & Administration;
• Develops and maintains a positive relationship with funding agencies, collaborating organizations and multiple internal offices;
• Works collaboratively and cooperatively with Principal Investigators / Staff in all aspects of grant administration;
• Provide a smooth transition into the post-award portion of grant Administration.

Post-Award:

• During the lifecycle of the award, provide efficient and effective post-award accounting, management & reconciliation to faculty and administrators;
• Review all new Notices of Awards and communicate essential terms of the award to the PIs. Ensure the proposed budget is updated if necessary to match NOA;
• Monitor awards in an assigned portfolio to ensure expenses are following university and agency requirements;
• Interface regularly with SPA and SPF offices. Prepare and submit all changes to the budget and work with SPA to initiate manage & modify sub-Awards. Prepare and submit financial reconciliations for project year-end and final financial reporting to SPF as required by terms & schedules of the award;
• Create and maintain comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date files & records of incoming and existing awards;
• Meet regularly with each PI to review grant status and future projects and plans. Advise PIs regarding budgetary issues and trends affecting research project accounts. Work with PIs to forecast future spending to prevent overdrafts or unspent balances;
• Review and process salary charges under the advisement of PIs to ensure they are consistent with available funding, actual, or anticipated effort, and award requirements;
• Ensure all non-salary expenses are allowable, allocable & reasonable and facilitate the processing of these expenses;
• Ensure timely processing of required annual and interim progress reports to sponsors based on established procedures;
• Assist PIs, department staff, and central-administration staff in solving project-related administrative problems and issues;
• Assist with annual effort reporting and attestation process by working closely with faculty and research staff to review their effort reports; ensure compliance with conflict-of-interest requirements and other compliance reporting mechanisms;
• Review and approve Concur Travel & Business Expense Reports for accuracy as an initial reviewer;
• Ensure compliance with award regulatory terms and University policies.

Other Duties:

• Back-Up PCard Holder –to assist with department’s purchasing needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of experience in the areas of Finance and Sponsored Research Administration, preferably in higher education or executive setting.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Exceptional time-management, organization, analytical & problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with confidential data and demonstrate discretion in all interactions.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines with minimal oversight.
• Superior communication skills, both in writing and verbal.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Significant independent judgment and initiative within specific guidelines required.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment and the ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft and/or other ERP systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with Federal and Non-Federal sponsored research guidelines, policies, practices, funding sources, and organizations strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.