Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Co-executive Director for Sponsored Projects Accounting is the strategic and operational leader for developing and maintaining compliant, efficient, and effective post-award financial management of sponsored projects throughout Case Western Reserve University. The co-executive director is responsible for translating strategic priorities into operational execution, including workflow design, systems implementation, and automation of post-award processes, in partnership with the senior executive director and fellow co-executive director. The co-executive director will utilize extensive knowledge of post-award regulations and standards to oversee the development and implementation of operational and university-wide policies for post award accounting functions across the university, while ensuring alignment between policy, process, and system capabilities. The executive director oversees a team of four senior grant managers (responsible for preparing invoices, financial reports, and interacting with principal investigators and research teams), providing informative and timely managerial reports to the senior executive director of post award services and financial compliance, and other finance offices, and executing effective and efficient internal controls over post-award sponsored project activities. Additionally, the co-executive director will work closely with office leadership and research departmental leadership to implement strategic and operational initiatives, leveraging data, performance metrics, and cross-functional collaboration to improve service delivery, reduce administrative burden, and enhance overall research administration effectiveness.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Utilize extensive knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200), Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, external non-federal sponsor regulations and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and understanding of university policy and procedures to ensure the university's compliance relating to financial research administration costing and reporting requirements, in collaboration with the senior executive director and key stakeholders, ensuring alignment between regulatory requirements, operational processes, and system capabilities. (20%)
Develop and implement processes to effectively manage the financial reports and billings for all senior accountants¿ sponsored projects ensuring that the reports are accurate, reviewed by the principal investigators and department administrators, and submitted to the sponsor on a timely basis. In collaboration with the senior executive director and institutional stakeholders, design and standardize workflows that improve efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and support consistent execution across departments while addressing the needs of institutional partners. (20%)
Provide strategic leadership by setting priorities, defining, and evaluating strategic alternatives of financial research accounting through the development of financial models and reports, providing recommendations on a course of action when needed. In collaboration with the senior executive director and key stakeholders, translate strategic priorities into operational plans, measurable outcomes, and sustainable processes. Perform comprehensive reviews on policies and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness throughout the research community. Work closely with the senior executive director post award services and financial compliance to ensure strategic initiatives are initiated and created. In collaboration with the senior executive director, university technology, and research administration stakeholders, lead the development and implementation of tools, workflows, and system enhancements that support current and future operational needs, including the use of automation and technology to improve service delivery and compliance. (20%)
Prepare analytical reports and analyses. Recommend, develop, and implement changes to university policies and practices. Receive assignments in the form of objectives with goals and the process by which to meet goals. Exercise judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Identifies risks and responds accordingly. Provide priority setting and workflow analysis. Develop and maintain operational metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools to monitor performance (e.g., invoicing timeliness, accounts receivable aging, closeout timelines, workload distribution), using data to drive decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement. Partner with the senior executive director and leadership to ensure alignment between operational performance metrics and broader financial and compliance strategy. (15%)
Identify, evaluate, and design new programs, initiatives and operational policies that drive efficiency of post award financial management. Evaluate adequacy of current reports and processes and provide recommendations and expertise in the development of new reports or processes, as needed, in collaboration with the senior executive director of post award services and financial compliance, sponsored projects accounting, university technology, the enterprise resource planning systems team and department users. In collaboration with the senior executive director and university technology partners, lead the implementation of process improvements and system enhancements, serving as a key operational partner in advancing automation, data integrity, and user experience. (10%)
Make recommendations on policy development and implementations as well as strategic alternatives. Provide ideas and solutions to address problems and formulate alternative strategies. Identify and recommend innovative business practices. Communicate concerns, changes, and recommendations to leadership in a timely manner. Review and update policies and procedures to improve compliance and operations. Ensure that policies, procedures, and operational workflows are aligned and consistently implemented across the research enterprise in collaboration with the senior executive director and key stakeholders. This will entail reviewing financial and non-financial information from a variety of sources, while benchmarking and working closely with the supervisor and research directors across the university. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Maintain up to date knowledge of grants management requirements, particularly those of major funding agencies and Case Western Reserve University; policies and procedures of the university and changes in the research landscapes that affect the university. This includes maintaining professional affiliations to enhance professional growth and remaining current in the latest trends and regulations in sponsored research and financial reporting. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Communicate regularly with senior executive director, Post Award Services and Financial Compliance, co-executive director, sponsored projects. Weekly contact with grant managers, and other accounting staff, pre-award Research Administration staff. Continuous contact with professional and management staff of all levels within Research Administration
University: Daily contact with management center representatives, department administrators and faculty. Weekly contact with Controller's Office. accounts payable/Procurement services, and Audit services to exchange information.
External: Continuous contact with sponsor agencies (federal, non-federal), peers at other universities and sub- recipient organizations. Occasional contact with audit agencies.
Students: Little or no contact with students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Provide direct oversight and supervision of four senior grant managers
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 10 years of progressive experience in a related field required. Experience in an academic and/or medical center environment preferred; experience with budgets, fund accounting and/or grant management desired. Supervisory or project management experience required.
Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field required. Master's degree or CPA preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Demonstrated knowledge of and familiarity with internal controls over accounting, financial reporting, and research activities.
Advanced knowledge of accounting practices within a business office and GAAP accounting.
Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting, accounting principles and practices.
Advanced knowledge of sponsored program administration, policies, OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200), federal and sponsor regulations, and guidelines.
Advanced knowledge of OMB Single audit and financial audit requirements and audit reporting
Advanced analytical skills to analyze accounting data, formulate and present conclusions.
Advanced analytical skills to analyze a variety of complex regulations, apply sound judgment, and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to lead a team and adhere to departmental and university policies.
Ability to make ethical decisions and act with integrity.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to interact and communicate professionally with others and to establish meaningful relationships with faculty, administrators, and sponsors.
Ability to produce accurate and timely work products when working under pressure.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion with information.
Highly motivated with a strong service orientation.
Knowledge of PeopleSoft grants management and accounting modules preferred.
Must be self-motivated and can lead; as well as the ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
Strong analytical, organizational, and proven problem-solving skills.
Must have the ability to analyze and interpret financial data/reports to make recommendations regarding strategic planning.
Must be able to multi-task effectively, and to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated high level of integrity and professionalism.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal office work environment.
Apply online at jobs.case.edu search job posting 14387
