Grant and Contract Officer, Office of Sponsored Programs

University of Montana; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance package

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Wellness program

Job summary

The University of Montana invites applications for a Grant and Contract Officer in the Office of Sponsored Programs. The role administers over 100 sponsored projects, negotiates with funding agencies, and ensures compliance with all policies, regulations, and university procedures.

The incumbent will manage post-award activities, financial reporting, invoicing, and closeout with high autonomy. Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and resolving complex accounting, financial, or compliance issues.
• Ability to make compliant decisions under pressure and time constraints.
• Experience applying terms, conditions, policies, and regulations to project accounts.
• Ability to facilitate negotiations among stakeholders to reach solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of 2 CFR 200 and GAAP.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Experience improving workflows in research administration or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Set up awards, review, negotiate, and process award modifications.
• Review ledgers, expenditures, cost matches, and documentation; resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare invoices and financial reports and communicate with sponsors on cost allowability and compliance.
• Review and approve subcontract invoices; reconcile participant and human-subject payments.
• Process graduate contracts, stipends, awards, cash payouts, transfers, and Banner/UApprove transactions.
• Maintain accurate financial records and reconcile the advance pool.
• Serve as post-award subject-matter expert for campus units; advise on sponsored award administration.
• Manage award closeout activities and resolve complex financial issues.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field

Experience analyzing complex accounting, financial, or compliance issues

2 CFR 200 knowledge

GAAP knowledge

Strong organizational and multitasking skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality and sound judgment

Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Description

The University of Montana invites applications for a Grant and Contract Officer for the Office of Sponsored Programs. The Grant and Contract Officer is expected to be fully proficient in federal, state, and University policies, as well as University business processes, accounting procedures, and systems, in administering all standard sponsored programs. They will administer more than 100 sponsored projects without day-to-day oversight. They will have delegated signature authority for the University to submit federal financial reports and will operate autonomously in the review, oversight, accounting, administration, and closeout of sponsored projects. The Grant and Contract Officer will be the University's chief representative for award administration, modifications, financial reporting, invoicing, and closeout. They will directly negotiate with funding agencies to determine matters of allowability, risk, efficiency, and reasonableness for sponsored programs, ensuring projects are feasible for researchers, in the interest of the University, and compliant with all University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations. The sustainability of UM’s research enterprise and its ability to maintain productive sponsor relationships and successfully navigate audits will largely depend on the performance of the person in this role.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Set up awards and review, negotiate, and process award modifications.
• Review ledgers, expenditures, cost matches, and supporting documentation; resolve discrepancies and accounting issues.
• Prepare invoices and financial reports and communicate with sponsors regarding cost allowability, reasonableness, and compliance.
• Review and approve subcontract invoices and reconcile participant and human-subject payments.
• Process graduate contracts, stipends, summary awards, cash payouts, cost transfers, journal vouchers, Banner and UApprove transactions, and abatements.
• Reconcile the advance pool and maintain accurate and compliant financial records.
• Serve as a post-award subject-matter expert for assigned campus units, providing guidance on sponsored award administration and compliance.
• Manage award closeout activities and resolve complex financial, accounting, and allowability issues.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and resolving complex accounting, financial, or compliance issues.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound, compliant decisions in high-pressure or time-sensitive situations.
• Experience interpreting and applying agreement terms, conditions, policies, and regulations to project accounts and activities.
• Experience facilitating negotiations among stakeholders with competing interests to develop effective, mutually beneficial solutions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of 2 CFR 200.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
• Experience identifying and implementing workflow, process, or system improvements in research administration or a related environment.
• Experience managing a high volume of projects or accounts in an environment where customer service, communication, and negotiation are essential.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Proficiency with personal computers and business software, including Microsoft Excel and Word, and the ability to learn new systems and applications.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with researchers, administrators, funding agencies, and other stakeholders and build productive working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree such as MA, MS, MBA, or JD.

• Related professional certification such as CRA, PMP, CPA.

Additional Information

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation)

UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.