Financial Administrator

Position: Financial Administrator 2
Department: WCAS Chemistry

Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Job Summary:

A center for global excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and research, Northwestern's Department of Chemistry seeks a financial administrator to support a faculty member's research portfolio. This position will work side-by-side with a PI and his research group to submit research proposals, manage awarded funds, and project expenses. This position reports jointly to the Department of Chemistry Business Office and the Weinberg College of Arts and Science Research Administration team.

This is a full-time position that works on the Evanston campus. The target hiring range for this position will be between $64,000 - $80,000 per year. The salary offered will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Following an initial 90 day introductory period, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. A minimum of three days per week working on campus is required, with up to two days per week eligible for remote work. Hybrid eligibility and scheduling are contingent upon operational needs and subject to approval by the Principal Investigator and supervisor.

Specific Responsibilities:

* Pre-Award Responsibilities:
Manages pre-award administration of grants and contracts, including submitting proposals, completing budget and justification preparation, completing sponsor and university forms, and coordinating IRB protocols, sub-recipients, and other activities as needed. Reviews solicitations and final applications to ensure all needed documents are prepared in accordance with requirements. Effectively communicates with PI and other colleagues during submission processes.

* Post-Award Financial Management:
Tracks expenditures on all grants, ensuring expenses are in line with budget. Reconciles accounts monthly. Monitors payroll and other transactions, ensuring correct charges. Works closely with colleagues to ensure smooth hand-off of information so that transactions are executed correctly. Facilitates account close out activities coordinating with accounting services as needed. Oversees effort commitment and reporting. Alerts PI to deviations from budget plans in sufficient time to make alternate decisions.

* Analysis and Reporting:
Creates regular reports to show account actuals and projections. Gather data from multiple offices and systems to create accurate and comprehensive financial picture for PI. Presents data efficiently and clearly to enable decision-making.

* Collaboration and Coordination:
Engages with faculty, staff, and external partners across multiple departments, schools, and Centers to build strong working relationships and effectively and efficiently coordinate shared research activities. Tracks and fulfills financial and administrative commitments across multiple collaborators within and occasionally outside the University. Serves as a resource to the PI and research group by transferring knowledge and advising on research administration and financial policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure compliance and smooth project execution.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

* At least four years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.

Minimum

Competencies:

* Financial acumen

* Strong analytical skills

* Excellent communication skills

* Excellent Excel skills

* Organization, time management, and detail orientation

Preferred Qualifications:

* Previous experience with pre-award and/or post-award with research administration

* Previous experience with pre-award and/or post-award with research administration

Preferred

Competencies:

* Ability to communicate financial policies and procedures in an approachable and clear…