Associate Director, Research Accounting

Job location is at 10240 Science Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92121

Working with the Sr. Director of Research Accounting, incumbent aids in defining quality standards for the Research Accounting Department and regularly reviews compliance to those standards. Responsible for day-to-day efficient operational management of the department supervision of staff. Contributes valuable input in establishing operating policies and procedures that affect the department. Incumbent is actively involved in the daily operations of post-award administration of research grant and gift funds, which require great attention to detail. Primary responsibilities include ongoing monitoring of fund statements; resolution of accounting problems/errors, functioning as the liaison to federal and non-federal grantor agencies and subcontracting institutions. Incumbent oversees implementation of policies and procedures under the general direction of the department head. Incumbent participates in most aspects of post award management, with secondary responsibility (after the Sr. Director) for a portfolio that totals $80 million in direct research expenditures funded by federal, state, or private grants and/or gifts, and $5 million in

Institute-funded direct costs and laboratory expenses funded by unrestricted donations. Has secondary responsibility for overseeing the expensing of indirect costs on grants. Responsible for overseeing the Single Audit of federal funds.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Department & Personnel Management

• Coordinates needs of Research Accounting from an operational and information systems perspective across other major departments such as H/R, Payroll, Purchasing and Grants Administration. This includes participation in meetings and work groups to represent the department's needs.
• Oversees utilization and training in information systems of other core departments such as Human Resources, Payroll, Purchasing and Grants Administration.
• Participates in the interviewing and selection process of new employees; recommends training as needed; plans, assigns, and directs workflow; evaluates, prepares, and delivers performance appraisals in collaboration with the department head; provides input to the department head regarding disciplinary and corrective action needed; ensures goals are met through ongoing performance management; maintains harmony among workers by addressing complaints and resolving problems promptly.
• Provides ongoing internal training to staff to ensure that productivity and knowledge of systems (Banner, eSirius, GRAD, HR/PR, and Salkshop) and the respective processes are maintained and continually improved.
• Continuously assess processes, documentation, and workflow, and identifies areas for quality improvement and procedural efficiencies.
• Approves and schedules staff time off based on operational needs and ensures backup coverage is coordinated appropriately.
• Conducts weekly department meetings to assess and coordinate workload volume, complexity, goals and objectives for efficiency, to apprise users of systems changes, and to develop team building strategies.
• Resolves operational issues as they arise.

Post award grant administration management

• Works with principal investigators, laboratory managers, and their research administrative assistants to maintain fiscal and administrative compliance with institutional, Federal, private and industrial guidelines, terms and conditions.
• Coordinates with Accounts Payable, Finance, Payroll, and other departments as needed for identification of charges and resolution of errors.
• Back-up to Fiscal Project Manager in preparation of federal drawdowns and reports.
• Responsible for the ongoing operational processes under Uniform Guidance, Single audit and fiscal year-end procedures.
• Manages the documentation of policies and procedures and their implementation to assure full compliance with federal and other sponsoring agencies' regulations and guidelines.
• Manages complex grant agreements to include financial reports.
• Provides support to the director in responding to complex issues raised by Principal Investigators (PI's), department administrators, and members of senior management.
• Performs the functions of the department head in his/her absence including: all post-award activities pertaining to federal, private and internal funding including administration of research consortium agreements, and for oversight of the expenses and revenue of facilities and administration costs, reconciliation of those costs to Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as grants terminate and the applicable liability. Approves lab personnel changes, PO's, invoices, new accounts set-up, journal entries and check requests. Reviews grant award statements, receivables, and cash receipts.
• Interacts with Development Department and provides information for proposals as needed. Identifies labs that could benefit from support from particular foundation proposals.
• Advises regarding the allowability of costs to be charged to programs. Review appropriateness of transactions and budget reallocations against funding source guidelines.
• Provides projections and analysis on research funding to senior administration as requested.
• Lead subject matter expert in all areas pertaining to post award administration. Represents department in all system related implementations. Key communicator regarding Research Accounting Department needs.

Audit Fiscal Year End

• Manages and compiles selections for annual Single Audit of federally funded sponsored programs, including preparation of the Schedule of Federal Expenditures and Data Collection Form.
• Responds to auditor inquiries and assists in the compilation of the required reports needed for the Single Audit of federal funds.
• Keeps abreast of the latest grant regulations to include OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Provides annual HHMI analysis to determine the relational percentage of Salk and HHMI funded expenses to Controller and CFO.
• Prepares annual PI salary and benefit analysis recording unfunded effort on faculty for Controller to use in the Indirect Cost calculation.

Other duties as assigned

• Various projects as assigned by the Sr. Director, RACT.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises 5 employees within the RACT department(s).
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Degree in accounting or business related field preferred.
• Experience: At least 7 years in the post-award administration and/or related accounting or finance experience.
• At least 2 years management-level experience; demonstrated ability to manage financial, organizational and staff resources.
• Prior experience managing the Single audit for non-profit research institute.
• Experience with SunGard Banner finance system.
• Experience with managing functional aspects of system implementation.

SALK VALUES:

• Integrity - Guides our moral compass and underpins our every action. We do what is right in all situations for no other reason than because it is right. We uphold honesty and ethical behavior and make good on our commitments. We understand that words and deeds matter and that integrity leads to trust.
• Community- Enables us to harness the power of our collective talents. We work together towards common goals. We recognize the importance of diversity where everyone's ideas, identities, backgrounds, and perspectives are valued and pave the paths that propel us forward. We understand our pioneering role in the broader scientific community and take pride in our efforts to have a positive impact on the world.
• Accountability - Keeps us focused, and keeps us honest. We are responsible not only for our own success, but the success of our teams and the entire Institute. We consider how the actions we take and the decisions we make in our own work may impact others.
• Respect - Creates the foundation of trust and brings out the best in us all. We value the experiences, identities, and feelings of those we work with, regardless of their position or their relationship to us. We provide feedback in a constructive manner, use appropriate language, and allow others to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of ridicule.
• Empowerment - Amplifies all voices and inspires the pursuit of greatness. We lift each other up, enabling us to grow continuously and live to our fullest potential. We support the expression of ideas, encourage self-advocacy, inspire confidence and recognize that an environment of mutual respect is critical to our collective success.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services.; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Occasionally Continually required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace. Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.