Finance Manager, Sponsored Projects Services

Position Summary

Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) within the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economics Development division at the State University of New York at Buffalo is searching for Finance Managers (FM). This role has primary responsibility for collaborating with Principal Investigators (PIs) to ensure the smooth financial management and oversight of a diverse funding portfolio. The incumbent will manage sponsored award portfolios for assigned PIs with responsibilities including post-award financial reconciliation, budget planning and projections, and timely processing of all post-award financial activity, including salary changes and appointments.

The FM will be the first point of contact for all the PI’s post-award financial needs and will collaborate with post-award colleagues to ensure the efficient processing and reconciliation of financial activities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Award planning, including initial kick-off meeting for all related parties.
• Formulate financial projections and revise award budgets as necessary.
• Analyze expenses and projected spending to maximize the use of available funds and ensure compliance with sponsor, university and Research Foundation requirements and policies.
• Assist with adhering to the specific reporting guidelines and requirements set by external sponsors, which include expectations for report format and content.
• Create internal financial reports and conduct meetings with faculty members to review their research portfolios effectively.
• Periodically review the effectiveness of the financial reporting process and meeting structure, adjusting as necessary to improve efficiency and communication.
• Serve as the liaison between PIs and various administrative units across UB.

Team Collaboration:

• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and serve as a resource for other research administration staff.
• Experience fostering a supportive environment, advocating for faculty members, and helping overcome challenges in achieving funding goals.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Relationship Building: Skill in building positive relationships with PIs, faculty members, and administrative colleagues.
• Advocacy: The capacity to advocate for the needs of PIs, foster a conducive atmosphere for realizing funding objectives, and maintain adherence to the intricate regulatory landscape of managing sponsored programs.