Director of Grant Financial Operations

Director of Grant Financial Operations

Company: Fairmont State University

Job Location: Fairmont

Category: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Type: Full-Time

Type of Position: Staff - Full Time

Department: Accounting

Appointment Length: July - June (12 mo)

Benefits Eligible?: Yes

Requested Part-Time Staff Hours: NA

F.T.E.: 1.00

Grant Funded Position?: No

Description of Job Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Grant Financial Operations provides high-level financial leadership and management for a diverse portfolio of sponsored project awards for The Office of Sponsored Programs. This role oversees the full lifecycle of grant funding from pre-award review and certification to final closeout, ensuring compliance with regulations. This role is responsible for financial forecasting to manage cash flow for restricted funds, budgetary accuracy and reconciliation, and financial reporting for all sponsored grants and contracts of the university. This role ensures adherence to federal Uniform Guidance and Financial Accounting and Reporting Section (FARS) requirements, while providing financial data to leadership.

Operational Oversight

• Directs the cradle-to-grave financial administration of restricted grants and contracts
• Develop, maintain and provide operational oversight of month-end/year-end processes for restricted funds
• Develop, update, and implement standard operating procedures and processes (SOPs) to streamline workflows. Ensure these are recorded and updated in the Accounting Manuals.
• Manage restricted fund budgets in Banner and cash flow in Oasis for restricted funds

Audit and Reporting

• Assists with year-end processes and audit functions for the annual financial audit, including but not limited to timing functions to prepare schedules, completing calculation and analysis, creating and posting accrual entries and providing support documentation as requested by the auditors
• Primary point of contact and coordinator for Research and Development annual audit and develop processes based on audit results
• Ensure compliance with all grant reporting obligations and manage online portals and submission software
• Responsible for annual Expenditure Schedule for restricted funds, annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) submissions and works with the Finance team to submit the Appropriations Schedule.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, mentor, evaluate and provide daily supervision including hiring, training, performance management, and career development.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment focused on accuracy and customer service and manage workloads to ensure timely, accurate processing.
• Set clear performance goals and establish a shared vision for the accounting department.
• Provide guidance on policies, procedures and reporting to departments across the University.

Process Improvement & Systems Optimization

• Drive continuous improvement by automating manual processes and enhancing ERP system functionality for the University in conjunction with the State of WV's ERP system
• Maintain robust internal controls to prevent fraud, duplicate payments, and ensure proper segregation of duties.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert regarding financial management of sponsored award which includes financial aid awards

Other

Participates in other projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Education

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent, as determined by HR). in Business Administration, Finance or Accounting

Required Licenses and/or Certifications N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications

At least 4 years prior experience with finance or accounting. however, any equivalent combination of education and/or experience is acceptable which provides an applicant the listed knowledge, skills, abilities and capability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Grant accounting experience in Higher Education

Requisition Number: 2026071SP

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Hire Date: ASAP

Job Close Date: 04/20/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Quicklink for Posting: https://www.fairmontstatejobs.com/postings/10436