Senior Research Financial Analyst

Overview

This role is ideal for candidates experienced in supporting central sponsored programs, research finance, or grants management offices. The position involves managing institution-wide research portfolios and collaborating with investigators, departments, and compliance teams.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Research Operations, the position oversees a broad range of responsibilities related to sponsored program financial reporting and activity management. It focuses on managing complex sponsored program financial activities, including high-level reporting, compliance monitoring, and process optimization. The role serves as a subject matter expert for Lawson and other financial systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency in research finance workflows.

Responsibilities

• Manage sponsored program financial activities for the medical center and affiliated institutes, including preparation of year-end audit documentation.
• Prepare and review complex financial reports, reconciliations, and analyses for sponsored programs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Maintain and enhance Lawson Grants Management attributes for accurate reporting; troubleshoot system issues and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate preparation of year-end audit documentation and compliance reviews; monitor federal and non-federal regulations and update workflows accordingly.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for Research Financial Analyst I and II positions, providing guidance on complex issues and best practices.
• Identify opportunities for efficiency and scalability in financial operations; lead initiatives to streamline workflows and improve reporting accuracy.
• Manage invoicing, cash draws, and accounts receivable processes to ensure timely billing and payment collection.
• Prepare, review, correct, and submit journal entries.
• Ensure strict adherence to system and departmental compliance policies, as well as all applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance management for assigned financial analysts.
• Collaborate closely with Accounting, Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), and other internal departments to ensure timely processing of journal entries, budget adjustments, and activity closeouts.
• Champion change management initiatives to improve consistency, effectiveness, and scalability of financial operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support research financial operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in sponsored programs or grants administration.
• Strong knowledge of Lawson financial systems and Grants Management modules is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with audit preparation and compliance reviews.
• Extensive experience in research finance, sponsored programs, or grant administration.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced proficiency in Lawson, Excel, and other financial reporting tools.
• Familiarity with federal and state grant regulations, Uniform Guidance, and audit requirements.
• Leadership and team development skills, with the ability to mentor and guide staff.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Expertise in sponsored program accounting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Skilled in leveraging Lawson and other financial systems for reporting and process optimization.
• Strategic thinking with the capacity to analyze trends, identify risks, and recommend solutions.
• Change management skills to champion process improvements and adapt to evolving regulatory and operational requirements.

Compensation

• Salary range: $77,064.00 – $88,587.00 – $104,748.00 (base salary range for the position)
• Actual salary will be determined based on relevant experience, with new hires typically starting in the lower part of the range.
• Pay ranges are hourly for non-exempt employees and based on full-time commitment for exempt employees.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.