Business Analyst - Sponsored Programs Financial Services

Overview

This role supports Sponsored Programs Financial Services (SPFS) by implementing and executing post-award and financial management activities for grants, contracts, and/or clinical trials. Responsibilities include award set-up, transaction processing, compliance review, cash management, collections, financial reporting, and project close-out.

The position requires ensuring material accuracy of financial statements and reports, analyzing financial results and outcomes, identifying trends and projections, reviewing performance metrics, and providing root-cause analysis to support business decisions while following institutional policies and Sponsor guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Compliance management

  • Understand and apply the business and financial terms and conditions of grant, contract, and/or clinical trial agreements.
  • Maintain compliance with allowable costs, period of performance, subrecipient monitoring, tracking cost share and program income, effort reporting, required reporting, and other special test provisions.
  • Ensure compliance with cash management invoicing and clinical trial billing requirements.
  • Stay current on compliance requirements for federal, state, local, private sponsors, and other applicable agency regulations, including Uniform Guidance.
  • Evaluate and maintain business processes supporting post-award management.

• Invoicing, accounts receivable, and cash management

  • Understand payment terms and payment schedules outlined in grant/contract/clinical agreement terms.
  • Invoice promptly and follow up on outstanding payments to support positive cash flow.
  • Ensure proper recording of cash against programs.
  • Independently troubleshoot and analyze payment variances and respond to Sponsor inquiries.
  • Set up and work within Sponsor portals to set up payment profiles, submit invoices, and retrieve payment backup as needed.

• Month-end close

  • Maintain processes and prepare journal entries to support monthly close and the generation of monthly financial statements/reports.
  • Ensure transactions and entries are properly documented, completed timely, and agree with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, and institutional policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate expertise with the institution’s financial systems.

• Reporting

  • Independently prepare financial reports ranging from simple to complex.
  • Collaborate with management, financial, and program staff to address discrepancies and correct errors.
  • Meet internal and Sponsor deadlines and content requirements.
  • Ensure reports are clear, accurate, and submitted on time.
  • Translate and report financials on Sponsor-required forms.
  • Complete ad hoc reports and financial analysis as needed.

• Project closeout

  • Complete project closeout documentation accurately, with proper documentation, and by required deadlines.
  • Ensure cost share requirements are met, remove unallowable costs, ensure subaward/contract expenses are properly accounted for, and address outstanding obligations.
  • Communicate clearly with financial and program staff and other stakeholders to gather required information and supporting documentation.
  • Ensure invoices and payments are complete.
  • Close project cost centers in all financial systems.

• Audit support

  • Apply compliance with regulations and guidelines.
  • Implement and document internal controls, policies, and procedures.
  • Gather audit documentation and information from multiple sources as required.

• Other duties

  • Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or relevant experience and/or education as determined by the employer in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of accounting principles, budget planning, and financial analysis, with the ability to interpret and apply fiscal regulations (preferred focus on clinical research or healthcare).
• Ability to assess, research, and resolve complex financial and compliance issues using sound judgment.
• Deep understanding of financial management in a clinical trial setting, expertise in research accounting, and a strong background in compliance and auditing.

Preferred

• Prior experience in grant, contract, and clinical trial financial administration.
• Knowledge of federal agency regulations, policies, and procedures, including Uniform Guidance, and laws and federal acquisition regulations applicable to research and sponsored programs.
• Prior experience with clinical trial financial management and/or clinical research billing compliance and regulations.

Skills

• Strong organizational and mathematical skills; ability to analyze data, form conclusions, and use problem-solving techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to lead financial meetings and translate/summarize financial information into clear narratives.
• High attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage large volumes of work to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in financial software and adaptability to new technologies, including understanding financial processes and controls such as reconciliations.
• Strong MS Excel skills (sorting, pivot tables, filtering, lookups, subtotals, and basic formulas).
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement complex regulations, procedures, and/or compliance standards.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay range minimum: $25.87
• Pay range maximum: $40.48
• Base pay is determined by factors including qualifications, experience, expected contributions, internal peer equity, market considerations, and business considerations. The displayed salary range may not reflect any geographic differential for certain locations.

Location

Not specified in the provided job description.

Compliance Requirement

As part of the role, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. Employees must comply with HIPAA as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and applicable privacy policies and procedures, as well as all data security guidelines established within the organization’s handbook of privacy policies and practices and information security policy. Employees are also responsible for complying with the organization’s Code of Business Conduct, including adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and required training.