Lead Acct Mgmt Analyst

Job Summary

The University of Utah is one of the nation's premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. As Utah's flagship university, the institution is deeply committed to advancing knowledge, fostering discovery, and serving as an engine of economic and societal impact for the state and beyond.

Within this environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a critical role in ensuring research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability. RMC is undergoing a period of exciting transformation — expanding staff capacity, implementing new service models, modernizing business processes, and streamlining technology solutions.

The Lead Account Management Analyst plays a key role in post-award administration by leading a small team (non-supervisory) responsible for award setup, modifications, and closeouts in the University's financial system of record (PeopleSoft). This position requires fluency in PeopleSoft's grants suite and the ability to accurately translate sponsor agreements — particularly billing instructions and contractual terms — into the accounting system to ensure downstream compliance and financial accuracy.

The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, collaborative, and motivated by continuous improvement. Because the functions performed by this team are both the “front door” and “back door” of post-award, their accuracy and timeliness directly affect the University's ability to manage its research portfolio, bill sponsors, and close projects efficiently. The Lead Account Management Analyst will model accountability, critical thinking, and a client-focused mindset while helping to implement new, streamlined approaches to award management.

Responsibilities

• Leads the day-to-day award management activities for a small team (non-supervisory), ensuring accurate award setup, modifications, and closeouts in PeopleSoft.
• Interprets sponsor agreements and billing instructions; ensures contract terms are correctly reflected in the University's financial system.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in PeopleSoft's grants suite; troubleshoots issues and supports staff in applying system functionality correctly.
• Monitors work quality and timeliness; ensures transactions are completed in compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and contributes to streamlining workflows and implementing best practices.
• Provides training, guidance, and mentoring to team members; models accountability, attention to detail, and a client-centric approach.
• Collaborates with colleagues in invoicing, receivables, reporting, and other post-award functions to ensure seamless operations across the research finance lifecycle.
• Escalates complex or unusual issues to managers when policy interpretation or risk evaluation is required.

Problem Solving

This role requires the ability to analyze award documents, identify appropriate setup and billing parameters, and ensure accurate configuration in PeopleSoft. The Lead Account Management Analyst must balance sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and system constraints while recognizing how setup decisions affect invoicing, reporting, and closeout.

Most issues can be resolved using established policies and procedures, but the role frequently requires judgment in interpreting sponsor agreements and troubleshooting system or process issues. Complex or precedent-setting problems are referred to management for resolution.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required Nearly Continuously: Office environment. Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking. Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree in related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Two to four years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Hands-on experience working in PeopleSoft's grants suite (award setup, modifications, closeouts)
• Experience interpreting sponsor agreements and billing instructions, and translating them into compliant financial records
• Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail, with recognition of downstream impacts on billing, reporting, and closeout
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement in processes and systems
• Research administration experience in post-award financial functions
• Experience leading or coordinating the work of peers (non-supervisory leadership)
• Familiarity with KPI tracking, reporting, or process efficiency tools
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a client-service environment

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42935B Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 Department: 00359 - Grants & Contracts Accounting Location: Campus Pay Rate Range: $56,361/yr Close Date: 11/25/2025 Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/187852