Post Award Specialist; Hybrid - Beckman Institute Advanced Science and Technology

Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology Job Summary

This is a hybrid position. The Post Award Specialist will provide accounting, compliance and reporting support for a grant portfolio of 15-25 grants. The Specialist must maintain familiarity with federal, sponsor and University guidelines to effectively administer awards from federal and private sponsors. This position requires a strong knowledge of general accounting principles, including an understanding of debits and credits, budgeting and financial analysis.

• Assist faculty and principal investigators with the management of their funded research projects, programs and accounts. This includes managing and monitoring a shared grants email inbox, responding to inquiries and coordinating communications related to grant administration. Maintain knowledge of sponsor rules and regulations for grant expenditures, including allowable and unallowable costs, rebudgeting, carry forward and related compliance requirements.
• Review and approve the use of grant funds for expenses such as employee appointments, i-Buy orders, Emburse expenses and travel reimbursements, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Advise faculty on the financial aspects of hiring personnel and major spending decisions, such as large equipment purchases, as necessary.
• Prepare, review and reconcile monthly grant accounting reports for researchers and management. Ensure the accuracy of various types of expenditures and procurement procedures for all grant funding using professional accountancy knowledge. Take appropriate action to move unallowable or questionable charges to an appropriate funding source.
• Serve as liaison with Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) Post Award staff for required documentation, reporting and close-out activities.
• Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations for changes when necessary.
• Request and monitor anticipation accounts, subaward agreements, no‑cost and other contract extension modifications as necessary. Review. process and track subaward payments.
• Participate in continuing professional development (e.g., conferences, seminars, webinars, etc.) to improve knowledge and judgment.
• Provide backup support for team members during absences (e.g., vacation, leave or high-volume periods) to ensure continuity of operations. Perform other duties as assigned to support team and departmental needs.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.
• One year of professional experience in business, finance or related field.

• Work experience at an institution of higher education or experience working with federal grants.
• UIUC Certified Sponsored Research Administrator.

• Ability to organize and manage diverse activities in a time sensitive environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong background in accounting principles and business practices.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, federal, state and funding agencies policies, procedures, laws, regulations and codes applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers, including word processing, spreadsheets and database management.

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5040 - Grants and Contracts Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the posting period closes. The salary range for this position is $63,000/year - $67,000/year. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements and budget constraints.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..