Manager of Accounting and Cost Analysis

Overview

The Office of Sponsored Accounting and Cost Analysis (OSA) aids faculty and staff in managing the financial post award aspects of external research funding and oversees the sponsored fringe, indirect, and service-center rate development process for the university. The function supports the university's strategic goals to grow the sponsored research portfolio. Stevens' research portfolio has grown significantly, with research expenditures of $70 million in the most recent fiscal year, and additional grants will increase the portfolio further, creating a need to increase staffing.

The Manager will work with the Director to develop an organizational structure to support the increased research portfolio. OSA reports through the Division of Finance.

The Manager of Sponsored Accounting and Cost Analysis provides supervisory leadership and oversight for the functions and staff related to financial post-award and cost analysis. This is predominantly a remote position reporting directly to the Director of OSA and responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the sponsored accounting staff, and co-leading the cost analysis functions such as rate preparation and negotiations, effort reporting, service centers, and audit assistance.

OSA centrally aids and supports from award setup through award closeout to ensure compliance with Federal, State, University and sponsor policies, procedures, and guidelines. This position works closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and other financial and administrative units across campus and the University.

• Work in close collaboration with the Director of OSA and OSP Directors in supporting the university's Research Administration infrastructure.
• Manage the day-to-day sponsored accounting staff operations to ensure all key functions are completed in a timely manner.
• Mediate cost allowability issues to ensure compliance requirements are strictly adhered to during the review and approval of all sponsored transactions.
• Monitor performance metrics analysis and reports to senior management.
• Provide guidance to senior leadership to ensure technology resources and processes are streamlined, automated, and efficiencies are continuously assessed.
• Work with the Director & Costing Analyst to become familiar with the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Proposal and annual Fringe Benefit Proposal processes for submission to the federal cognizant agency, including gathering and submitting accurate information and data.
• Service Center rate development and compliance monitoring. Annually review, analyze, and reconcile the general ledger activity to validate the development of new rates.
• Provide support for various audit activities involving sponsored awards.
• Work on special projects as requested by the Director and perform other related duties as assigned.

• Promote the University's commitment to customer service by building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University, freely sharing appropriate information, and proactively helping when needed.
• Ensure optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
• Maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

• 6 years of experience in post-award research administration and/or grant accounting with a bachelor's degree in business, research administration or related field; or 6 years of experience in post-award research administration and/or grant accounting with a master's degree in business, research administration or related field.
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative skills.
• Experience in a college or university, or other not-for-profit institution performing similar job functions.
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels of university personnel, as well as the research administration and funding agency community.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel (e.g., pivot tables, v-lookups).
• Demonstrated success in a position managing concurrent, high-volume requests while providing…