Senior Financial Data Analyst (Grant Management Team)

Project Duration: 24 months

Our Grants Accounting Team is responsible for managing financial data for sponsored and non-sponsored programs, ensuring transparency, and compliance. The Senior Grants Financial Data Analyst is primarily responsible for Commitment Accounting (payroll and effort) responsibilities, grant financials reconciliation, and compliance analysis. In addition, the Senior Grants Financial Data Analyst assists the Team Lead, providing support and coverage in areas relating to audits, training efforts, monitoring, and reporting. This position works under the guidance of the Grants Accounting Team Lead and regularly gives reports to, and advises, senior leadership in the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration and Finance on relevant business process redesigns and assists on business office projects as assigned.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
3 years related progressive experience in data analysis and/or preferably sponsored post award financial matters (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Advanced Excel skills with a proven ability to manipulate and interpret complex financial data.
Must complete an Excel assessment and demonstrate advanced Excel skills.
Proficiency in financial analysis tools and data visualization software required.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data management.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively within a team.
Problem-solving mindset and ability to troubleshoot financial discrepancies.
Analytical skills and knowledge of financial analysis techniques.
Ability to think critically, multi-task, and prioritize projects.
Self-motivated and intuitive thinker.
Thorough understanding of office systems, including interfaces between systems.
Working knowledge of PeopleSoft HCM and Finance and query development.
Working knowledge of Huron Effort Certification (eCrt) system.
Ability to prepare ad-hoc reports.
Proficiency in managing and understanding data, including various grant and contract-related data.
Familiarity with regulations governing grants and contracts.
Ability to communicate effectively with process stakeholders.

Functional Accountabilities
Payroll & Effort; Allocation Management

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of commitment accounting principles, with a focus on payroll and effort allocation, to accurately track grant expenditures.

• Collaborate with project managers, HR, and other stakeholders to ensure precise recording of payroll expenses and effort allocations for each grant.

• Support biweekly payroll processing.

• Maintain and update employee salary and effort allocations.

• Perform and oversee manual adjustments to financial data, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of grant commitments, expenses, and effort allocations.

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of payroll and effort adjustments, ensuring compliance with grant regulations and internal policies.

• Work closely with the HR team to validate payroll distributions aligned with approved budgets and project activities.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Utilize advanced Excel skills to conduct thorough data analysis related to grants and generate insightful reports to monitor spending, commitments, and project progress.

• Independently identify and explain significant trends or deviations of financial data.

• Present findings in a clear and organized manner to stakeholders and management.

• Perform periodic quality assurance checks on financial data to maintain data accuracy and integrity.

• Address ad hoc data requests from management and funding agencies, providing valuable insights in a timely manner.

Subject Matter Expertise & Process Improvement

• Work extensively in PeopleSoft Human Capital Management (HCM) and Finance modules, as well as Huron Effort Certification (ECRT) system and make daily use of the system to generate queries, reports, and carry out business-critical processes.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Grants Management, HR, and Finance, to ensure seamless grant financial processes.

• Gain basic knowledge of the applicable OMB Circulars and other Federal regulations pertinent to grants and contracts accounting and undergo necessary training to stay up-to-date with these regulations.

• As a subject matter expert, contribute to system & process development and improvement discussion, planning, and testing.

• Work both independently and collaboratively to develop and facilitate training for GCAF.

Audits & Special Projects

• Interact with Principal Investigators, Department Administrators, and provide analytical support to CNRI post-award financial management teams and leadership.

• Compile audit documentation requested for the Annual Single Audit (formerly A-133 audit), any sponsor audits and internal audit reviews, to assist with Annual Audit and Desk audits as needed.

• Prepare meeting agendas, and run meetings where Team Lead cannot be present, or in your capacity as a subject matter expert.

• Take on special projects to assist with the financial management of the CRI grants and contracts portfolio.

Organizational Accountabilities
Office Support

• Complete temporary projects and assignments as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Organizational Commitment/Identification

• Partner in the mission and upholds the core principles of the organization

• Committed to diversity and recognizes value of cultural ethnic differences

• Demonstrate personal and professional integrity

• Maintain confidentiality at all times

Customer Service

• Anticipate and responds to customer needs; follows up until needs are met

Teamwork/Communication

• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior

• Partner with all team members to achieve goals

• Receptive to others' ideas and opinions

Performance Improvement/Problem-solving

• Contribute to a positive work environment

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change

• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

• Make appropriate decisions, using sound judgment

Cost Management/Financial Responsibility

• Use resources efficiently

• Search for less costly ways of doing things