Temporary Office Support - Research Finance

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the post-award administration functions associated with invoicing sponsors as part of the Research Finance Accounting Team. The Research Finance Accountant will be required to have a full understanding of the billing cycle for sponsored projects including specific sponsor invoice formats to ensure compliance, accuracy, and timeliness of invoicing and cash collections.

Research Finance strives for excellence in providing support and oversight in administratively managing sponsored projects, monitoring associated financial compliance requirements in accordance with sponsor regulations and university policies, and providing analytical and cost accounting expertise to the management of Vanderbilt’s research enterprise. Research Finance includes the Grant Analysts that provide central oversight for project expenditures, financial reconciliation, financial reporting, and award closeout, the Research Accountants that perform invoicing, cash management and accounts receivable management, and the Data and Cost Analysts that perform cost accounting activities and institutional research reporting as well as award setup and effort certification compliance oversight.

• Accumulate, analyze, and summarize routine detailed data in order to prepare invoices and support for both federal and non-federal sponsored programs
• Prepare monthly and quarterly invoices using a variety of online, automated, and manual processes, as required by each sponsor
• Escalate invoicing issues that require more than routine follow-up
• Monitor the shared email mailbox, responding to inquiries from the sponsors and research community involving invoicing
• Assist in reconciliation of sponsor invoices to ensure accurate and timely reporting of all sponsor invoicing activity
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements and changes to policies and procedures to facilitate automation and fully utilize system capabilities
• Assist with collections on outstanding balances

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Research Finance Accounting Manager.

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred or equivalent experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting or finance is preferred.

• Skill in advanced Excel, Word, and PowerPoint applications is necessary.
• Time management skills and the ability to work well in a team environment is necessary.
• Experience in higher education with a focus in research compliance and/or financial administration in a research university, academic medical center, or other organization subject to an externally regulated environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated performance in establishing and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships with a full range of internal and external constituencies is necessary.
• Understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and General Ledgers is preferred.
• Proven detail-oriented work style in collaboration with effective written and verbal communication skills is necessary.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of people, understanding their needs and goals is necessary.
• Ability to work co-operatively with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competitively, is necessary.
• Openness to change, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a variety of situations, with individuals or groups is necessary.
• Ability to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue is necessary.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders is necessary.