Director, Sponsored Programs Accounting

SRA International; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University seeks a Director, Sponsored Programs Accounting to lead the SPA within the Controller and Treasurer’s Office, overseeing post-award financial management from award setup to closeout. You will ensure accuracy, compliance with Uniform Guidance and sponsor regulations, manage indirect cost activities, and support audits, PI chairs, and campus partners.

Responsibilities include coordinating annual financial reports, leading the Single Audit, improving procedures, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business.
• Ten years of related experience.
• Experience with Banner software application.
• Direct experience with Grants and Contracts Accounting.
• Advanced degree (MBA) and/or professional certification (CRA, CFRA, CPA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards and related reports.
• Lead the annual Single Audit for the university.
• Assist PIs and fiscal staff with audits, desk reviews, site visits and other engagements.
• Develop and implement procedures to align with university policy and guidance.
• Ensure adherence to Uniform Guidance and sponsor regulations (2 CFR Part 200, etc.).
• Post monthly indirect cost calculations and distributions.
• Develop system enhancements for reporting and compliance.
• Collaborate with OSP, ORED, Internal Audit, and auditors to meet project goals.
• Manage the SPA office: duties, process improvements, compliance, and staff training.
• Oversee office budget commitments and expenditures; supervise managers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal & written communication

Diversity & inclusion

Microsoft Office

Crystal Reports

Self-starter

Teamwork

Adaptability

Priority management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business

Tools

Banner software

Job description

The Director, Sponsored Programs Accounting is responsible for leading the Sponsored Programs Accounting Office within the Controller and Treasurer’s Office. The position also assists Business Managers, Accountants and other fiscal personnel at the university.

Sponsored Programs Accounting (SPA) serves as Mississippi State University’s central post-award financial management office, providing oversight and stewardship of externally funded projects from award setup through closeout.

SPA ensures the financial integrity, compliance, and accurate reporting of sponsored funds in accordance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and federal regulations. Core responsibilities include billing and revenue management, indirect cost calculation and distribution, financial reporting, and monitoring cash flow and receivables.

The office also leads critical compliance functions such as effort reporting, cost transfer review, and ongoing account monitoring to ensure expenditures are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. SPA works collaboratively with principal investigators, departments, and central offices to support sound financial decision-making and maintain audit readiness across the sponsored portfolio.

In addition, SPA provides training, tools, and guidance to campus partners to promote consistent practices, strengthen compliance, and support effective management of sponsored awards.

Through a commitment to accuracy, consistency, and customer service, SPA strives to be a trusted partner in advancing the university’s research mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Responsible for coordinating the preparation of the annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, Schedule VII – Restricted funds for the university financial statements, National Science Foundation HERD Survey, and other reports related to restricted funds as needed.
• 2. Responsible lead for the annual Single Audit for the university.
• 3. Responsible for assisting PIs and their respective fiscal staff with sponsoring agency audits, desk reviews, site visits and other compliance engagements.
• 4. Responsible for enhancing and/or developing procedures and practices to implement university policy, management decisions, and applicable guidance related to post-award Research Administration.
• 5. Responsible for ensuring the university is adhering to sponsor regulations to include:
  • A. Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200 of Federal Register)
  • B. State Regulations
  • C. Private Industries
  • D. International companies and universities
• 6. Responsible for monthly indirect cost calculation/distributions posting.
• 7. Responsible for the development and implementation of system enhancements to continue to provide efficient and effective reporting and to enhance ongoing compliance efforts.
• 8. Responsible for collaborating with the Office of Sponsored Projects, ORED, Internal Audit, sponsoring agencies, state and federal auditors and colleagues at other universities to assist PIs and their respective fiscal staff to accomplish the goals and objectives of each restricted project and the overall research enterprise for the university.
• 9. Responsible for overall management of the Sponsored Programs Accounting office to include assignment of duties and responsibilities. Areas of responsibility include day to day operational duties, business process improvement efforts, compliance efforts, and outreach and training initiatives.
• 10. Responsible for the office budget commitments and expenditures.
• 11. Direct report for manager for Sponsored Programs Accounting and Sr. Cost Accountant.
• 12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. Bachelor’s degree Accounting or Business
• 2. Ten years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• 2. Experience working in Banner software application
• 3. Direct experience with Grants and Contracts Accounting
• 4. Advanced degree (E.g., MBA) and/or professional certification (E.g., CRA, CFRA, CPA)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 1. Well-developed interpersonal and customer service skills.
• 2. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• 3. Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• 4. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• 5. Working knowledge of Crystal Reports.
• 6. Independent self-starter with strong work ethic.
• 7. Experience in work settings requiring teamwork and high-volume assignments.
• 8. Willingness to embrace new technology and adapt to new rules and regulations in ever evolving area of sponsored programs.
• 9. Ability to manage priorities and meet multiple daily deadlines.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• 1. Routine deadlines; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures; infrequent evening and weekend work is required.
• 2. Job frequently requires sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects.
• 3. Job occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting to 25 pounds.
• 4. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail] .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human ResourcesManagement at [phone] or [e-mail] . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.