Act as a liaison with university research administration (ORIED and DRA), collaborating institutions, subcontracting entities and with other departments regarding all levels of grant development and submission
Review sponsor guidelines, identify key requirements for all grant submissions, ensure compliance with Request for Proposal, track deadlines and communicate those to PIs
Work with PIs to prepare accurate, appropriate and compliant budgets, budget justifications, submissions timelines, checklists of requirements, planning meetings and other required documentation for grant submissions
Submit grants through Cayuse working with central research office all the way to sponsor receiving proposal
Collaborate with PI for a smooth transition from pre-award covering project overview, types and time frame of all expenditures and any related compliance matters with sponsor or university policies
Review awards to ensure consistency with proposal and any financial terms & conditions
Monitor budgets and financial deliverables in line with award document including variance analysis
Monitor, document and audit expenses for reasonableness, allocability, consistent treatment and allowability
Work with central research office to resolve issues with contracts, invoicing, costs or other discrepancies
Utilize excel to update budgets and forecast costs in a visually digestible way for PI
Meet with & advise PIs to review expenses, spending trend, areas that need attention, sponsor approvals and forecast through end of project
Coordinate with BFO on personnel forecasts and updating personnel projections in assigned project forecasts
Process all award actions across all projects with appropriate documentation and approve Order Request Forms
Complete schedule of final charges during the closeout process of each project and monitor invoicing across projects and prepare project invoices
Participate in year-end activities, conduct monthly reconciliation of departmental ledgers, manage and reconcile department PCard
Support faculty travel, purchases, contract submissions, and invoicing on sponsored projects and internal awards in compliance with UT policies and procedures
Develop standard operating procedures, maintain financial documents according to the research business office file structure and university retention periods
Audit transactions across all projects ensuring accuracy with documentation and coding, budget, compliance and reasonableness
Procure and support office and research supplies, track orders, reconcile receipts, and ensure purchases align with budget/grant guidelines
Resolve administrative problems by proactively identifying and troubleshooting administrative issues, and proposing solutions aligned with UT practices
Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
3 years accounting/finance/business administration experience with one year experience related to pre and/or post award activities on sponsored projects
Intermediate Skills in Microsoft Excel
Pre and post award activity knowledge with sponsored research
Ability to produce and present financial forecasts and proposed budgets, use for Excel budget management and forecasting
Ability to advise on time sensitive compliance and budget matters
Knowledge of interpreting and applying federal regulations relative to sponsored research
Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and leadership skills to deal effectively and tactfully with personnel at all levels
Preferred: 2 years of experience directly related to pre and/or post award activities on sponsored projects, Extensive knowledge of Uniform Guidance
Preferred: Knowledge of University of Tennessee policies, procedures and software systems (i.e., IRIS, Cayuse)
Preferred: Ability to create financial models & dashboards in excel
Position has the possibility of being remote but may require travel to the State of Tennessee on occasion