Senior Sponsored Research Accountant - Finance Division

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Finance Division at Carnegie Mellon University is responsible for providing financial management, enterprise planning and stewardship in support of education, research, and strategic goals of the university. As part of the Controller’s Office Team, the payroll department supports the entire scope of pay operations for CMU, including staff, faculty, and students, across international and domestic multi-state locations.

We are seeking a motivated Senior Sponsored Research Accountant to join the team. The Senior Sponsored Research Accountant is responsible for overseeing complex post-award accounting activities, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements. This position provides high-level fiscal and administrative support, proactively manages financial functions, and mentors junior team members in resolving accounting challenges.

Core Responsibilities:

• Proactively manage sponsored projects/awards for specific Schools/Departments including:
  • Ensure the accurate and timely completion of financial reports and invoices in compliance with sponsor guidelines, University policies, CAS, and GAAP;
  • Evaluate cost sharing commitments and ensure that sponsored projects are appropriately recognizing commitments in accordance with University and sponsor guidelines;
  • Track project deliverables/milestones and technical reports, maintaining compliance with sponsor and contract requirements;
  • Continually monitor budgets and expenditures to identify potential funding shortfalls and overspending; timely communication of findings and recommendations for courses of action;
  • Monitor Subcontractor invoicing and reporting-Monitor Key Personnel levels of effort-Review/reconcile project expenditures for compliance with Uniform Guidance/CAS and sponsor regulations; reconcile F&A recovery in compliance with sponsor/University regulations;
  • Close awards within the Oracle Grants Application in accordance with University procedures.
• Review revenue recognition for compliance with GAAP, institutional policies. Track and enter revenue events, review, approve and release revenue events.
• Maintain continuous contact with department business managers / principal investigators to monitor grant progress (financial and technical); resolve reporting and /or expense problems; serve as an information resource for campus community; interpret sponsor guidelines and University policies. This requires the incumbent to remain knowledgeable of Federal Regulations, Uniform Guidance,  FARS, and applicable Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
• Set-up awards within the Oracle Grants application in compliance with University procedures, CAS, and sponsor regulations. Manage award funding, ensuring that system funding and budgets are consistent with sponsor award documents. Enter award installments and link awards to projects and tasks.
• Work in conjunction with Cash Management Analysts: review billing formats and billed expenditures, offer guidance on sponsor requirements; approve final invoices reconciling to final financial reports and other reports submitted to sponsors.
• Other projects/duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.  We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in accounting or related field required.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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