Finance Program Manager, Crown Institute

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Crown Institute seeks a Finance Program Manager to provide advanced financial administration across a complex portfolio of sponsored research projects. You will partner with PIs, project teams, and university offices to manage proposals, post-award finances, compliance, reporting, and closeout according to sponsor rules and Uniform Guidance.

You will manage budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls, coordinate with the Office of Contracts and Grants and Campus Controller’s Office, and

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis across a complex portfolio of sponsored projects.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor rules, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and university policies.
• Coordinate with Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) and Campus Controller’s Office (CCO) for pre- and post-award processes.
• Support PI and project teams with financial reporting, audit preparation, and award closeout.

Job description

Job Summary

The Finance Program Manager provides advanced financialadministration support for a complex portfolio of federally andnon-federally sponsored research projects within the Institute.This position serves as a key partner to Principal Investigators(PIs), project teams, Institute leadership, and central universityoffices throughout the full award lifecycle, including proposaldevelopment, post-award financial management, compliance oversight,financial analysis, reporting, and award closeout. The position isresponsible for ensuring that sponsored project activities aremanaged in accordance with sponsor regulations, Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), University policies and procedures, and applicable stateand federal requirements.

This role requires substantial expertise in sponsored projectbudgeting, financial forecasting, compliance monitoring,accounting, and financial management in a higher education orresearch environment. The Research Finance Program Managerindependently manages complex financial portfolios, providesstrategic guidance and decision support to faculty and leadership,monitors financial risk and internal controls, coordinates auditand reporting activities, and supports effective stewardship ofInstitute resources. The position also collaborates extensivelywith the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG), Campus Controller’sOffice (CCO), Human Resources, Procurement, and sponsor agencies toensure accurate, compliant, and timely financial administration ofsponsored and discretionary funds.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

The Crown Institute’s research focuses on practices, programs, andpolicies that foster wellness among children and youth, familiesand caregivers, educators, and mental health and health providers.Scholars in multiple fields work together and in partnership withfamilies, teachers, young people, and community members.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Budgeting and pre-award support

• Review, interpret, and inform PIs of solicitation terms withfinancial and Human Resource implications that require specialapprovals and/or planning: reduced indirect cost rates, cost share,PI eligibility, salary caps, etc.
• Prepare proposal budgets using the university format,maintaining multiple budgets as needed for internal CU processes,and integrating input into appropriate full proposal budgets forsubmission.
• Track and interpret the needs articulated by the PI and otherresearch personnel in order to create appropriate proposal budgets,using analyses of historical and current Institute budget data,standard fringe and indirect cost rates, and University policiesgoverning budgeting practices like ICR split agreements, costshare, salary limitation, cost categorization andallowability.
• Review final proposal packages prior to submission to ensureaccuracy, completeness, and consistency of all budget-relatedinformation, including staffing allocations and effortcommitments.
• Maintain updated, organized, and complete files on proposals inthe Finance Team shared drive.
• Engage with OCG and CCO to process Pre-Award At-Risk requestsif necessary, and coordinate approved pre-award spending activitiesin compliance with University policies and sponsorrequirements.

Post-award financial management

• Lead SpeedType lifecycle management for the assigned portfolioby engaging with OCG and CCO to establish, modify, monitor, andclose SpeedTypes in accordance with each award’s terms andconditions. Inform OCG and CCO of changes to PIs on awards due tonew hires or staffing turnover.
• Interpret and maintain a consistent understanding of allfinance-related award terms and conditions in the assignedportfolio (cost allowability, cost share, reporting, etc.), andengage regularly with the PI and project team to ensure proactive,compliant management of the financial aspects of the award.
• Maintain advanced knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200),federal cost principles, and sponsor-specific regulations, andremain up to date on policy changes of federal and state sponsoragencies.
• Consistently implement award-specific budgetary and financialterms and conditions, adhere to funding agency requirements, followCU policies and procedures, and observe state regulations for theappropriate utilization of restricted and non-restrictedfunds.
• Work with PIs and HR to facilitate new hires by verifyingfunding adequacy for requested salary allocations