Director for Grant and Accounting; GCA

Overview

Job Description

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:

• Finance & Budget Strategy
• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support
• Policy, Planning & State Operations
• University Business Services

Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA) is responsible for leading University-wide post-award research administration, providing essential services in accounting, compliance analysis, invoicing, and financial reporting to both internal and external stakeholders. GCA ensures effective and accurate management of research funding, supports institutional compliance, and facilitates financial transparency across the University of Washington. The Director for GCA oversees all aspects of strategic leadership for Grant and Contract Accounting.

This role manages a team of fifty, including four direct reports, and oversees all aspects of post-award research administration, including accounting, compliance, invoicing, and financial reporting for the University.

We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not feel they satisfy all of the skills listed below; we understand that it will take some time for the successful applicant to strengthen specific position skills where needed, to learn about the university systems, campuses, and vendor collaborators, and to develop a deep understanding of the FPB environment itself.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies for effective post-award grant and contract management, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and long-term vision. Integrate advanced systems management by evaluating, selecting, and implementing technology solutions that streamline post-award processes and enhance data integrity. Oversee the development and integration of digital tools to automate workflow, improve reporting accuracy, and facilitate collaboration across departments.

• Collaborate with IT and operations teams to ensure seamless ongoing system integration, enabling real-time access to grant and contract information and supporting the cross-functionality of financial, compliance, and program management platforms
• Partner closely with program leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure timely achievement of deliverables, milestones, and all reporting requirements, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to project success
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for post-award activities, driving continuous improvement and accountability across all programmatic operations
• Develop and maintain robust stakeholder engagement plans to foster collaboration with internal and external partners, maximizing the impact of sponsored initiatives
• Stay informed of emerging trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in grants and contracts management, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance program effectiveness and compliance

Provide leadership and oversee the GCA teams, including day-to-day operations, budget management, and staff development. Foster an inclusive culture within a diverse, matrixed environment and collaborate with the Executive Director of Research Compliance and Operations to support Sponsored Programs Finance.

• Manage a team of professionals responsible for the administration of post-award grants and contracts and supervision of vendors, including invoice approval
• Guide project workflows and timelines, ensuring ongoing training and career enrichment for all staff
• Guide the continual enhancement of program operations, monitor progress against key milestones, and adjust strategies as necessary to ensure the achievement of successful outcomes

Direct and oversee all facets of post-award financial administration, ensuring precise budgeting, diligent expenditure monitoring, and prompt financial reporting.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor regulations, and university policy, and coordinate audits to effectively resolve complex financial matters
• Translate accounting requirements into practical, operational processes; coordinating accounting processes to align with new and revised University, state, and federal regulations
• Review and approve accounting transactions, journal entries, management reports, and internal financial documents
• Provide ongoing, comprehensive program management and development by proactively identifying areas for process optimization, fostering team collaboration, and ensuring program initiatives are strategically aligned with organizational objectives; communicate regulatory and policy changes across the university
• Serve as a key liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including funding agencies and institutional leadership
• Communicate complex post-award requirements and changes effectively to all relevant parties
• As a representative of GCA, actively engage with campus stakeholders to…