Grant & Contract Finance Specialist

University of Pennsylvania; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Wellness programs

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is hiring a Grant and Contract Finance Administrator to support the Division of Finance in managing sponsored program awards, ensuring compliance with terms and federal regulations, and providing guidance to investigators and staff across departments.

The role involves liaison duties with sponsors, preparing statements, and monitoring award modifications, while upholding Penn’s values and commitment to accountability and service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3–5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Certified Research Administrator preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sponsored programs, post-award administration, and related federal policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle varied work assignments, prioritize tasks, and demonstrate strong written, verbal communication skills and customer service orientation.
• Knowledge of university systems including PennERA, BEN, and Data Warehouse preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between the University and funding sponsors and intermediaries between Business Administrators, Principal Investigators, and sponsors.
• Initiates the sponsored programs reporting and closeout process, prepares financial statements and billings using university and sponsor reporting systems; review GL activity for compliance with Uniform Guidance and sponsor terms.
• Reviews and monitors award modifications including relinquishments, terminations, re-budgeting, carryover requests, no-cost extensions, and non-financial closeout requirements.
• Provides guidance to the University community on sponsored programs administration issues. Prepares, reconciles, and closes journal entries; updates and audits award fund account parameters.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Sponsored programs knowledge

Post-award administration

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Certified Research Administrator

Tools

PennERA

BEN

Data Warehouse

Job description

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is hiring a Grant and Contract Finance Administrator to support the Division of Finance in managing sponsored program awards, ensuring compliance with terms and federal regulations, and providing guidance to investigators and staff across departments.

The role involves liaison duties with sponsors, preparing statements, and monitoring award modifications, while upholding Penn’s values and commitment to accountability and service.