Assistant Director, Finance and Research Administration
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Finance
Posted on May 2, 2024
Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
“To improve the lives of all Virginians by delivering cutting-edge cancer care through patient-centered prevention and treatment; high-impact, innovative research; community input and engagement; and education and training of the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals.”
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center (Massey) is a nationally ranked cancer center located in the heart of Downtown Richmond. All full-time staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off,12 paid holidays, and more.
Position eligible for flexible arrangements.
Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and academic-professional-benefits
VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!
Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities (VCU Employee Only):
Massey is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Assistant Director, Finance and Research Administration. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing a team of financial analysts and the post-award research administrators. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Business Operations, you will play a critical role in ensuring the effective management of financial resources, compliance with grant regulations, and the successful administration of post-award activities. This position works cooperatively with the Director, Finance and Business Operations, Director, Budget and Financial Strategy, departmental administrators and Principal Investigators (PIs) in Massey and Schools outside of Massey.
If you have a strong background in finance, experience with post-award research administration, and the ability to lead and motivate a team, we encourage you to apply
Other job duties include and are not limited to:
- Oversee and lead the team of research administrators who are responsible for oversight over all sponsored projects within Massey
- Lead the team of financial analysts who are responsible for reconciling and managing all non-sponsored indexes within Massey
- Empower the team to prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with grant regulations and organizational policies.
- Collaborate with program managers and principal investigators to develop and monitor project budgets, ensuring alignment with grant guidelines and organizational objectives.
- Conduct regular financial analysis to identify variances, trends, and opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations to management as needed.
- Ensure team compliance with all grant regulations, policies, and procedures, including those related to allowable costs, time and effort reporting, and financial reporting deadlines.
- Serve as a liaison between the finance department and other departments to provide guidance and support on financial matters related to grants and contracts.
- Assist with the preparation of grant proposals, budgets, and financial reports as needed, ensuring accuracy and compliance with funding agency requirements.
- Stay informed about changes in grant regulations and accounting standards, and communicate updates to relevant staff members.
- Participate in audits and reviews of grant-funded projects, providing documentation and support as required.
- Mentor and train staff members on grant accounting principles, financial compliance, and best practices for post-award grant administration.
- Management of index reconciliation process and report on outcomes.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or related field is preferred. Experience in finance, grants and accounting.
- Experience in grant and contract administration, preferably in a research or academic environment.
- 3+ years of leading a finance and/or research administrator team.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team(s) from various backgrounds and experience levels.
- Extensive knowledge of financial management through multiple fund sources from Federal, State, and University.
- Demonstrated knowledge of managing and understanding differences in the grant and state revenue and expenditure streams.
- Strong understanding of federal regulations and compliance requirements related to grant and contract management.
- Excellent financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting and documentation.
- Strong organizational, problem solving and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with VCU Banner finance and grant management systems.
- Highly proficient in using Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, and Smartsheet.
- Excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
- Able to understand and apply basic internal control concepts to daily management of Federal awards.
- Ability to work in a diverse environment is required.
- Prefer a working knowledge of state or university purchasing, travel, and personnel administration policies and procedures as well as general understanding of IRB and regulatory agency requirements pertaining to responsible conduct of research.
- Master's degree in business, accounting, finance or related field.
- 5+ years of experience leading a finance and research administrator team
- Experience in analyzing data, interpreting information, providing logical conclusions/projections and anticipating costs/obligations.
- Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards.
- General understanding of IRB and IACUC policing pertaining to regulatory requirements in animal and human research.
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certificate.
Position Details:
Department: Massey Cancer Center Human Resources
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt
ORP Eligible: Yes
University Job Family: Financial Services_ Manager FS (18321Y,18322Y,18323Y) - Sr Manager FS 1-3 (18324Y,18325Y,18326Y)
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Contact Email: masseyhr@vcu.edu
