Research Finance Specialist (Remote Opportunity)

Overview

The Division of Nephrology within the Department of Medicine is seeking a Research Finance Specialist (Accountant 2) to support its expanding portfolio of research grants, contracts, and fellowships. The division manages over 50 awards with an annual spend nearing $7 million, involving more than 40 faculty members and 30 unique sponsors. This role involves financial oversight, reporting, and collaboration with faculty and research staff to monitor active awards and plan future proposals.

This position reports to the Division’s Finance Manager and offers hybrid or remote work options, with 1-2 annual visits to campus for planning and team-building.

Responsibilities

• Analyze accounting transactions to summarize financial positions at unit or organization-wide levels.
• Capture, track, and report revenue and expenses; oversee and reconcile complex accounts.
• Collect data and perform research on transaction details; generate and communicate financial data comparing actual performance against budgets.
• Maintain and review accounting process controls; recommend and implement approved modifications.
• Develop and maintain desktop procedures and process documentation.
• Run and analyze financial reports from multiple systems; prepare management information reports.
• Contribute to unit and organizational strategy; assist with change management plans and participate in project teams.
• Analyze existing systems and processes to identify opportunities for improvement; define requirements and perform system testing.
• Serve as a resource to local units and other departments to resolve accounting-related issues.
• May lead, train, coach, and review work of other staff as needed.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of applicable experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Intermediate proficiency in business applications such as Microsoft Office, including intermediate Excel skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting systems and internet use; computer literacy.
• Understanding and application of accounting principles, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong communication skills, capable of clearly conveying information to internal audiences and clients.
• Project management skills and ability to contribute effectively as part of a team.

Desired Qualifications

• Proficiency with Excel.
• Experience managing sponsored research at Stanford or another academic institution.
• Familiarity with Stanford data systems (e.g., OBI, SeRA, Oracle).
• Ability to review proposals and manage projects with an understanding of the overall scope and goals of sponsored projects.

Physical Requirements

• Constant desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequent sitting, sorting, filing paperwork, light grasping, and fine manipulation; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 10 pounds.
• Occasional writing by hand, twisting, bending, stooping, and squatting.
• Rare standing, walking, reaching, working above shoulders, and telephone use.

Working Conditions

• May require extended hours during peak business cycles.

Working Standards

• Demonstrates ability to work well with colleagues, clients, and external organizations.
• Commitment to safety and promotion of safe behaviors.
• Compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

Compensation & Benefits

• This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States.
• Compensation is based on the candidate’s location within one of five Zone Pay Structures.
• Expected pay range is $110,307 to $128,195 annually for the 10 Bay Area counties, or $66,184 to $116,014 annually for all other zones.
• Pay offered will consider factors such as position scope, candidate qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes retirement plans, health care, family care resources, career development programs, and wellness opportunities.

Location

• Remote or hybrid work with 1-2 visits per year to campus for planning and team-building events.
• Open to candidates located anywhere in the United States.