reviewing and approving/rejecting transactions in Workday or
Concur, including but not limited to procurement requisitions,
journals, accounting adjustments, cost transfers, or other award
expenditures; ensuring all expenses posted to an account meet
compliance with award terms and conditions or other regulations,
guidelines, or policies
performing account reconciliations with varying ranges of
complexities to include independently reviewing, monitoring,
analyzing, and synthesizing information
preparing financial reports using the appropriate internal,
federal, or other sponsor-prescribed templates, ensuring accuracy
in calculations, routing for supervisory approval and signature,
and submitting reports using the proper method; ensuring reporting
deadlines are met
completing, routing, and submitting final reconciliations,
reports, or other closeout activities as needed to ensure timely
closeout of awards and adherence to federal or sponsor-specific
closeout deadlines
engage in meetings, trainings, or other activities as required
to provide customer service and support, assist colleagues, and
promote professional development and growth
Qualifications
Essential skills for the Research Finance Analyst position include
interpersonal skills, communication, organization, time management,
problem-solving, decision-making, collaboration, presentation, and
customer service. This position requires flexibility and agility,
often pivoting between multiple projects and tasks to meet
deadlines. The Research Finance Analyst must be resourceful,
analytical, able to quickly learn various systems and applications,
and willing to support organizational and operational changes as a
part of ongoing process improvement initiatives. Tolerance for and
the ability to work with varying levels of ambiguity is
essential.
Required:
- Bachelor's degree or 2-5 years of relevant work
experience
- Active DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain clearance at
the Secret level
- Financial analysis and reporting experience with familiarity
with GAAP, Uniform Guidance, or other regulations
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with
exceptional attention to detail
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint)
- Ability to independently learn and utilize a variety of
systems, applications, and resources
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication
skills
- Demonstrated ability to interact with tact and diplomacy with
constituents at all levels of an organization
- Proven customer service skills with a service-minded
approach
- Ability to work effectively both independently and in a
team-oriented environment
Preferred:
- Research administration experience
- Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)
credential
- Experience creating and delivering presentations and training
to a variety audiences via in-person or virtual
platforms
A Culture of Service:
The Research Finance Analyst works with a broad range of
constituents, providing direct support to Principal Investigators,
Research Finance, colleges, departments, and others. The Research
Finance Analyst must keep abreast of federal and sponsor
regulations and be willing and able to train or support others on
applying these regulations. The ability to create and maintain a
culture of service, accountability, and timeliness while producing
high-quality results is essential.
Compliance and Stewardship:
This role must treat effective compliance as an equal priority,
stay abreast of sponsor rules, regulations, and policy changes, as
well as institutional best practices in research administration and
finance. The Research Finance Analyst will participate in sponsored
research initiatives and projects as assigned and lead the adoption
of best practices to promote continuous improvement, ensuring the
highest quality standards in performance individually and as part
of a team.
This position requires the candidate to have high-speed internet
and other utilities to facilitate connectivity as a fully remote
position. Additionally, as this position supports personnel and
processes for the Boston campus and operates primarily within the
eastern time zone (EDT/EST), it may require flexibility in
scheduling to meet deadlines, provide service, or attend meetings
or training. Able to create and deliver presentations and training
for a variety of audiences via virtual or in-person platforms, via
public speaking and or recorded sessions
Both a cover letter and a resume are required for
consideration.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Award Management (30%)
- Maintaining familiarity with federal regulations (e.g., Uniform
Guidance, DFAR) and sponsor guidelines related to financial
research administration
- Reviewing award documentation to extract core demographic
details, identify financial deliverables, and financial
compliance-related requirements
- Performing post-award financial research administration
activities, including but not limited to reviewing documentation
and system configuration of new accounts in the University's
financial system; monitoring account activities to ensure
expenditures align with the proposed scope and any subsequent
revisions
- Completing timely award closeout activities; coordinating with
others as needed to achieve appropriate closeout status and
inactivate the award and related funds; initiating residual balance
transfer or refund processes when necessary
Transaction Processing (30%)
- Reviewing and approving/rejecting transactions, including but
not limited to procurement requisitions, travel expense and
reimbursement requests, cost transfers, or other award
expenditures; ensuring all expenses posted to an account meet
compliance with award terms and conditions or other regulations,
guidelines, or policies
- Monitoring account balances; initiating conversations with
department administrators to avoid or resolve deficits or meet cost
share obligations
- Preparing and submitting Accounting Adjustments or Journals to
support overall award management and closeout activities, as
needed
Reporting & Analytics (30%)
- Performing account reconciliations with varying ranges of
complexities to include independently reviewing, monitoring,
analyzing, and synthesizing information
- Investigating root causes and resolving issues to ensure
completeness and accuracy in financial management, records, and
reporting
- Extracting and manipulating data to prepare or review financial
reports, with strong attention to detail and a high level of
accuracy; routing reports for approvals and submitting approved
reports using prescribed methods or templates
- Maintaining accurate reporting schedules and related details to
ensure timely submission of deliverables and meeting internal and
external deadlines
Training & Support (5%)
- Seeking and attending training, meetings, etc., focused on
federal regulations, financial research administration, or other
relevant areas to keep abreast of changes and maintain fluency in
areas specific to the central Research Finance office and the
Research Finance Analyst role
- Providing training, presentations, or resources to colleagues,
PIs, and administrators throughout the Northeastern research
community to promote proper award management and best
practices
Other (5%)
- Routinely participating in ongoing professional development
activities with a focus on continuous professional
growth
- Completing or assisting with ad hoc or miscellaneous projects
as needed or assigned
Position Type
Finance
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work
experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit
eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid
time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as
well as commuting & transportation. Visit
https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for
more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, religion,
color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability
status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable
law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
110S
Expected Hiring Range:
$76,335.00 - $107,823.75
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend
on several factors, which may include your education, experience,
location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay
comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role.
Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to
change.
To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Research-Finance-Analyst_R138785
jeid-50f466dd120c9245a28ee02db46decf0
