Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university
that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions.
With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances,
creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and
a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent
it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges
the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts
here!
The Finance Division at Carnegie Mellon University is responsible
for providing financial management, enterprise planning and
stewardship in support of education, research, and strategic goals
of the university.
We are seeking a seasoned and strategic
Senior Sponsored
Research Accountant to serve as a cornerstone of our research
administration team. In this pivotal role, you will be a trusted
financial advisor, a compliance leader, and a driver of process
innovation. You will govern a complex portfolio of sponsored
awards, providing expert guidance to Principal Investigators and
department administrators. This position requires a professional
with deep subject matter expertise, exceptional analytical acumen,
and the ability to navigate the intricate landscape of federal and
non-federal research funding. If you are driven to ensure financial
integrity and empower groundbreaking research, we invite you to
apply.
Core responsibilities include:
Strategic Financial Stewardship & Integrity (25%)
- Drive the financial close process for sponsored projects in
collaboration with Cash Management, ensuring absolute adherence to
sponsor terms, university policy, and federal regulations.
Ensure the integrity of financial data, lead the rigorous
reconciliation of all project accounts before the submission of
invoices and reports.
Govern revenue recognition for the sponsored projects
portfolio, ensuring strict compliance with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP) and institutional standards.
Architect the timely and accurate execution of revenue events
within the financial system, safeguarding the university's
financial records.
Compliance Leadership & Expert Consultation (25%)
- Serve as a key partner and compliance advisor to Principal
Investigators (PIs) and department business managers, translating
complex regulations into actionable guidance that skillfully
balances the PI's scientific objectives with the university's
fiduciary and compliance responsibilities.
- Champion a culture of compliance by proactively identifying,
diagnosing, and resolving complex financial issues related to
expenditures, reporting, and award terms.
- Lead and coordinate federal multi-agency audit responses,
serving as the principal point of contact, directing the
compilation of evidence, and formulating institutional positions
and rebuttals.
- Maintain and disseminate authoritative knowledge of federal
regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Federal
Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards
(CAS).
- Function as a key liaison and subject matter expert for the
broader campus community, ensuring a consistent and compliant
approach to research administration.
Comprehensive Award & Systems Governance (20%)
- Architect the end-to-end setup of new awards, ensuring
meticulous alignment with university, sponsor, and federal
requirements for both non-profit and for-profit sponsors.
- Provide expert consultation regarding the financial
administration of the award lifecycle, including funding
modifications, budget validation against sponsor agreements, and
management of financial installments.
- Ensure seamless data synchronization between project modules
and the general ledger to maintain financial accuracy and system
integrity.
Advanced Portfolio Management & Analytics (25%)
- Command a diverse and complex portfolio of sponsored projects,
applying a sophisticated understanding of sponsor-specific
regulations for federal, foundation, and corporate awards.
- Design and implement intuitive financial dashboards and data
visualizations to provide PIs and leadership with real-time
insights.
- Orchestrate the timely and accurate delivery of all financial
reports, validating cost-sharing commitments, and monitoring
project deliverables to meet all contractual obligations.
- Conduct sophisticated budget-to-actual variance analysis,
identify financial risks and opportunities, and provide PIs with
actionable intelligence to guide project spending.
- Provide rigorous oversight of all sub-awardee invoicing,
reporting, and compliance, and monitor key personnel effort to
ensure alignment with commitments.
- Lead the comprehensive reconciliation and final closeout of
awards, ensuring all financial, technical, and compliance
requirements are satisfied and documented.
Process Innovation & Institutional Contribution
(5%)
- Identify and spearhead process improvement initiatives to
enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of sponsored
project administration.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on cross-functional project
teams and contribute to strategic departmental and institutional
goals.
- Collaborate and champion with research administration and
campus teams to identify and implement improvements to shared
business and technology processes supporting sponsored awards.
- Mentor junior staff members, fostering a collaborative
environment of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Engineer training sessions to be used campus-wide to inform the
research community of best practices and unified processes.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within
Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who
can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and
external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for
someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of
the university through their work.
You should demonstrate:
- Mastery of federal regulations governing research, including
Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FAR, and CAS.
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with a
proven ability to interpret and apply complex policies and
regulations.
- Superior communication and people skills, with the ability to
effectively advise and influence a wide range of stakeholders, from
faculty to senior administration.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business
Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in grant and
contract accounting, sponsored research administration, or a
closely related field.
- High proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Excel
skills.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which
comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An advanced degree (MBA, MPA) or professional certification
(CPA, CRA - Certified Research Administrator).
- Experience in a university, academic medical center, or
non-profit research institution.
- Experience managing complex awards such as large federal
contracts, clinical trials, or multi-site program projects.
- Experience in leading process improvement projects or system
implementation initiatives.
Requirements:
- Successful background check
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional
benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of
benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and
vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer
contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with
ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental
death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus
pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate
childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore
our Benefits page .
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending
offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and
responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge
gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique
skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about
more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your
professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an
exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
More Information:
- Please visit “ Why Carnegie Mellon ” to learn more about
becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change
the world.
- Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
- Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity
Employer/Disability/Veteran .
- Statement of Assurance
