Research Cash Specialist

Reporting to the Manager of Sponsored Finance, the Research Cash Specialist (RCS) supports the daily financial operations related to cash management across all research funding sources. This role is responsible for processing, tracking, and reconciling incoming payments, deposits, and wire transfers related to sponsored programs, internal research awards, research-related gifts, core facilities, venture development, and other research-related revenue.

The Research Cash Specialist collaborates closely with Financial Research Administrators (FRAs) and the Campus Banking Office to help ensure accurate recording of revenue, timely identification of payment discrepancies, and coordination of collection activities. This position plays an important role in maintaining the financial integrity of research accounts and supporting smooth cash operations within the ORSP post-award team.

The RCS is expected to demonstrate the following competencies to support a collaborative, high-performing post-award administration environment:

• Teamwork and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Contributes positively to a team-oriented environment; actively engages with colleagues to resolve issues, share information, and support collective success; demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and maintains a solution-focused approach in interactions.
• Multi-Tasking and Prioritization:
  Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, independently reprioritize workload as needed, and proactively resolve problems appropriate to their level of responsibility.
• Attention to Detail:
  Maintains high accuracy in processing deposits, verifying transactions, and reconciling accounts; demonstrates consistency and thoroughness in reviewing financial records.
• Professionalism and Integrity:
  Handles confidential and sensitive information responsibly; maintains professional conduct aligned with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.
• Customer Service Orientation:
  Provides courteous and responsive service to internal stakeholders, including FRAs, department staff, and central offices; communicates effectively when coordinating payment or collections-related questions.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Uses clear written and verbal communication to document cash activities, follow up on outstanding payments, and escalation discrepancies appropriately.
• Adaptability and Learning Agility:
  Embraces new responsibilities as organizational needs evolve and demonstrates readiness to learn new systems, regulations, and institutional practices.
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving:
  Identifies potential issues, assesses options, and takes appropriate action; seeks input when needed and escalates appropriately while maintaining ownership of tasks.
• Time Management:
  Manages responsibilities and deadlines efficiently and with accountability, following through on deliverables with minimal oversight.

The RCS supports research cash operations and payment reconciliation for externally funded awards and initiatives. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Cash Deposits and Wire Processing:
  Accurately records and applies incoming cash, check deposits, and wire transfers across all Research Finance accounts, including sponsored programs, internal awards, core facilities, venture development, tech transfer, and research gifts; confirms receipt details with FRAs and ensures proper account coding; assists with identification and resolution of unapplied or misrouted funds.
• Clearing Account Maintenance:
  Monitors and reconciles research clearing accounts to ensure timely resolution of unidentified or misapplied deposits across all research funding sources; collaborates with FRAs to investigate payment discrepancies,…