Sr. Manager, Research Cost Accounting

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The Office of Research Administration (ORA) has a great job opportunity for an Sr. Manager, Research Cost Accounting to work at the University of Miami.

CORE JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Manager, Research Administration (Service Center Administration) provides centralized leadership for rate development, and compliance governance of university service and recharge centers. This position ensures service center rates are developed, reviewed, approved, and monitored in accordance with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and University policy.

The Sr. Manager, Service Center Administration (SCA) partners closely with departmental leadership, core facility managers, compliance teams, and senior research administration leadership to promote consistent rate methodologies, long-term financial sustainability, and mitigation of institutional compliance risk. At the Senior Manager level, this role serves as an institutional subject matter expert and strategic advisor on service center finance and rate governance.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

• Reviews, develops, and approves service and recharge center rate calculations in compliance with OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200), Cost Accounting Standards, and University policy.
• Provides financial oversight of service center operations, including monitoring surpluses and deficits, reviewing account activity, and recommending corrective actions.
• Performs advanced financial analyses, including cost studies, rate modeling, variance analysis, and sustainability assessments for complex or high-volume service centers.
• Provides consultative guidance to departments, principal investigators, and service center managers regarding allowable and unallowable costs, pricing structures, and rate adjustments.
• Reviews and evaluates cost allocation methodologies to ensure accuracy, consistency, and equitable treatment of internal, external, and industry-sponsored users.
• Assists with development, documentation, and maintenance of standardized tools, templates, and methodologies for service center rate development.
• Supports institutional compliance efforts by responding to internal and external audit inquiries related to service center rates and financial practices.
• Identifies compliance and financial risks related to service center operations and escalates concerns with recommended mitigation strategies.
• Partners with research administration, finance, HR, FP&A, and other institutional stakeholders to ensure alignment of service center practices.
• Prepares reports, analyses, and status updates for senior leadership as requested.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of policies and procedures related to service center finance and rate governance.
• Establishes and assesses internal controls within areas of responsibility and ensures compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Trains, mentors, and provides guidance to staff and departmental stakeholders involved in service center administration.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor's degree in degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master's degree (MBA, MS) preferred.

Certification and Licensing:

CPA, CRA, CFRA, or similar professional certification preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration or cost accounting, including leadership in complex financial or compliance environments. Appropriate combination of relevant education and/or experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200) and Cost Accounting Standards related to service center operations.
• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and research administration financial practices.
• Advanced analytical skills with demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
• Ability to analyze large and complex data sets and communicate findings clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills in high-risk compliance environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to train, mentor, and lead others while promoting a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

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