Remote-Friendly Research Finance Administrator I

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s College of Engineering seeks a dedicated Research Administrator to support post-award financial management and administrative functions for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The role requires collaboration with faculty and university partners to ensure compliant and accurate research administration, with attention to budgets, reconciliations, and reporting.

The successful candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, and service-minded, capable of managing

Qualifications

• Knowledge equivalent to completing a four-year college degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, public administration, management, or related field.
• Completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire.
• Experience with pre- or post-award research administration and familiarity with budgeting, expenditures, and audits.

Responsibilities

• Monitor sponsored projects, maintain records, support reporting and closeouts, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor requirements.
• Serve as fiscal officer for assigned accounts, review and approve financial transactions within delegated authority.
• Prepare financial documents, cost redistributions, and resolve account discrepancies.
• Monitor project funding, cost sharing commitments, and prepare related reports and documentation.
• Process subcontract payments and handle financial and appointment-related transactions for faculty and researchers.
• Provide department administrative support including salary and workload processing and visitor reception.

Skills

Analytical

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/related field

Essentials of Research Administration certificate

Tools

EBS

KFS

BI

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Michigan State University’s College of Engineering seeks a dedicated Research Administrator to support post-award financial management and administrative functions for the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The role requires collaboration with faculty and university partners to ensure compliant and accurate research administration, with attention to budgets, reconciliations, and reporting.

The successful candidate will be analytical, detail-oriented, and service-minded, capable of managing