AVP, Grants & Sponsored Programs Accounting

Jefferson Health Plans; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

Thomas Jefferson University’s SPAO unit is seeking a senior leader to oversee post-award financial operations for sponsored programs. The role partners with ORSS, investigators, and academic leadership to ensure accurate accounting, reporting, and compliance with federal and sponsor requirements.

The position reports to corporate finance and will drive internal controls, audits, and process improvements while mentoring SPAO staff in a complex healthcare/academic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7+ years progressive experience in accounting, audit, research finance, or related financial management functions.
• 7+ years leadership experience managing professional staff.
• 7+ years healthcare/academic or research experience.
• Proficiency in Word/Excel/PowerPoint; Workday ERP familiarity; AI awareness.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all SPAO operations including post-award financial administration, accounting, reporting, invoicing, cash collections, effort reporting support, and closeout activities.
• Lead financial administration and oversight of grants, contracts, and externally sponsored programs.
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, federal regs, sponsor terms, and policies.
• Prepare and submit sponsor financial reports, invoices, federal draws, effort reporting, cost share accounting, and closeout docs.
• Develop F&A rate proposals and employee benefit rate calculations; support negotiations with federal agencies.
• Establish internal controls to safeguard sponsored funds and ensure financial integrity.
• Coordinate audits and responses with stakeholders; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Monitor receivables, cash collections, unbilled accounts, deficits; drive performance improvements.
• Collaborate with ORSS, investigators, administrators, and Finance to resolve issues.
• Advise ORSS leadership, department admins, and PIs on post-award financial management and regulatory compliance.
• Support VP Corporate Finance in strategic initiatives and process improvements.
• Set departmental goals, metrics, and plans aligned to Corporate Finance.
• Lead SPAO staff development and foster accountability and collaboration.
• Partner with Financial Systems on system implementations and optimization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP

Financial analysis

Post-award accounting

Audit/controls

Office 365

Workday ERP

AI familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Workday ERP

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Thomas Jefferson University’s SPAO unit is seeking a senior leader to oversee post-award financial operations for sponsored programs. The role partners with ORSS, investigators, and academic leadership to ensure accurate accounting, reporting, and compliance with federal and sponsor requirements.

The position reports to corporate finance and will drive internal controls, audits, and process improvements while mentoring SPAO staff in a complex healthcare/academic environment.