Finance Manager, Sponsored Program Administration

Wayne State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne State University in Detroit seeks an experienced Finance Manager, Sponsored Program Administration to lead financial reporting for externally funded projects. You will guide post-award activities, ensure sponsor compliance, and manage a team of financial staff, aligning policies with Federal Uniform Guidance and university standards.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, grant accounting expertise, and the ability to communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, MBA or related field preferred.
• CRA/CPA or related professional certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible financial management experience.
• Experience with post-award financial administration and grant accounting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee external interim and final financial reports to meet sponsor deadlines.
• Ensure timely preparation, review, and submission of reports to agencies.
• Review workpapers for compliance with GAAP and sponsor rules.
• Provide guidance on internal grant financial policies and compliance.
• Supervise SPA staff, recruitment, performance reviews, and development.
• Improve financial reporting policies and checklists for consistency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Grant accounting

Post-award administration

GAAP

Analytical skills

Communication

Team leadership

Planning / Organization

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

Master’s degree preferred

CRA/CPA preferred

Tools

Banner system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Finance Manager, Sponsored Program Administration

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Finance Manager, Sponsored Program Administration at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose

The Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) Finance Manager provides leadership and oversight for sponsored program financial staff responsible for preparing and reviewing financial reports in accordance with sponsor requirements and reporting guidelines. This position ensures expenditures, financial transactions, and post-award administrative activities comply with university policies and procedures, external sponsor regulations, and Federal Uniform Guidance requirements. The Sponsored Program Finance Manager reports to the Associate Director, Post Award Services.

Essential Functions

• Oversee the assignment and completion of external interim and final financial reports to ensure all sponsor deadlines are met, compliance requirements are maintained, and institutional funding is protected. Monitor workload distribution and reassign reporting responsibilities as necessary to support operational efficiency and timely submission.
• Ensure the timely preparation, review, and submission of accurate interim and final financial reports to external sponsoring and granting agencies in accordance with sponsor requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Ensure financial report workpapers are reviewed for compliance with applicable accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Provide subject matter expertise and consultative guidance to Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) staff and the University community on internal and external grant financial policies, compliance requirements, and complex issues related to the administration of sponsored programs.
• Perform personnel management responsibilities, including direct supervision of staff, recruitment and hiring activities, performance management, professional development, and recommendations related to promotions and other employment actions.
• Assist in the maintenance and continuous improvement of financial reporting policies, procedures, manuals, and operational checklists to support compliance and consistency in reporting practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or related professional certification preferred.

Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).

Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably within higher education, healthcare, research administration, or sponsored programs.

Demonstrated experience managing post-award financial administration for federally and non-federally sponsored projects.

Strong knowledge of grant accounting principles, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and sponsor compliance requirements.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and experience with the principles and practice of government accounting, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Planning/Organization skills: Prioritize and plan the completion of the reporting tasks; adapt to frequent changes to policies; Adjust schedule to deal with unexpected events.
• Analytical Skills: Analyze accounting and financial data; detect accounting errors; determine compliance with university and sponsor policies.
• Team Building: Develop teamwork with staff; train the staff members to properly perform their tasks; encourage staff to perform their best.
• Communication Skills: Communicate well with SPA staff and the University community; provide strong customer service, especially regarding changes to policies; ability to write and orally correspond with others.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; skilled and experience in the Banner system; ability to data enter various computer systems which require submission of financial reports and data.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to make quick decisions to timely resolve urgent reporting matters; identify and solve complex accounting problems; develop solutions to various changes to grant and contract administration.

School/College/Division

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department

H0912 - Sponsored Program Administration

Employment Type

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Annual Salary: TBD

Working Conditions

Normal office environment.

Job openings

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.