Principal Grant Finance Administrator

University of California, Riverside; California; On-site; USD 84,100 - 154,700; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Riverside is seeking a Principal Grant Finance Administrator responsible for the financial and technical management of contracts and grant activities. This role involves collaborating with Principal Investigators, managing complex budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and at least 6 years of experience in post-award financial management. Remote work is primarily available, offering flexibility to meet departmental needs.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of relevant experience, with at least 6 years in post-award financial management.
• Experience in quantitative data analysis related to financial management.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting research administration.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Principal Investigators on budget development and compliance.
• Manage post-award financials for multi-institutional collaborations.
• Guide less experienced staff in grant financial tasks.

Skills

Budget development

Data analysis

Financial management

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

The Principal Grant Finance Administrator reports to the Financial & Administrative Officer and is responsible for the administrative, financial, and technical management of contract and grant activities for assigned Principal Investigators within the Research and Economic Development (RED) units. This includes both pre‑award proposal preparation and post‑award financial analysis and management.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with PIs to develop comprehensive budgets, secure internal approvals, and ensure alignment with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
• Coordinate large‑scale funding opportunities involving multi‑investigator and multi‑institutional proposals.
• Independent post‑award management of financials across multi‑institutional collaborations, including complex budget management, trend analysis, and preparation of financial reports.
• Resolve financial issues, provide data‑driven recommendations, and ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Provide support for RED Research Centers and other RED unit reporting needs, and guide less experienced staff on grant financial tasks.
• May serve as a technical specialist on federal contracts, state contracts, or subcontracts, and may have delegated signature authority.

Experience Requirements

• 6–10 years of related experience, with a minimum of 6 years in post‑award financial management within research administration.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in quantitative data analysis and reporting related to post‑award financial management.
• Experience preparing research proposals for federal contracts and grant submissions.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, including Uniform Guidance and OMB Circulars.
• Experience using UCR financial and administrative systems.

Qualifications

• Full knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor policies, IP, conflict of interest, publication rights, indirect cost rates, and other complex concepts in research administration.
• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional, and departmental policies.
• Advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal reporting, and compliance requirements for human/animal research, financial conflict of interest, and biosafety.
• Expertise in grant funding processes, procedures, and techniques, including all types of award mechanisms (grants, contracts, subcontracts, cooperative agreements).
• High volume, complex transactions management and advanced financial analysis skills.

Preferred

• Prior experience in a university research environment handling program administration for federal and non‑federal sponsors.
• Strong communication, organization, and customer‑service skills, with the ability to train grant‑writing and communication strategies.
• Capability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet and database software for financial analysis and reporting.

Work Arrangement

Remote work is possible for a majority of the time, with occasional on‑site requirement as departmental needs dictate.

Compensation

The salary range is $84,100 – $154,700 annually, with an expected pay scale of up to $110,000, based on education, licensure, certifications, experience, and organizational needs.

Employment Eligibility

Applicants must have current UCR work authorization. The University of California does not sponsor or take over employment visas.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected category under state or federal law.