Research Financial Officer

gsu; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition assistance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Georgia State University’s Office of Sponsored Programs seeks a Research Financial Officer to manage sponsored project finances, bills, invoicing, cost sharing, and reconciliations. The role supports pre- and post-award activities and ensures compliance with sponsor terms and university policies.

Ideal candidates bring a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance and at least four years of fiduciary experience in higher education or nonprofit settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance and 4 years of university or nonprofit/government fiduciary experience.

Responsibilities

• Establish sponsored awards in the financial system according to award guidelines and specifications.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual bills and invoices in accordance with sponsor requirements and award terms.
• Ensure proper documentation and accounting of required cost sharing.
• Reconcile sponsored project accounts to the General Ledger, awarded budget, and applicable contractual rates.
• Monitor assigned projects for expenditures and financial compliance with applicable federal, state, and GSU policies and procedures and recommend appropriate solutions to maintain compliance.
• Review monthly accounts receivable and aged receivables and communicate with sponsors regarding outstanding or uncollectible amounts.
• Assist with the resolution of accounts receivable issues and other financial matters related to sponsored projects.
• Prepare and submit quarterly, annual, and final financial reports as specified in award documents or contracts.
• Complete sponsored project closeout activities in accordance with sponsor and university requirements.
• Provide professional and responsive financial support to GSU’s research community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Forecasting

Accounts reconciliation

Sponsorship accounting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance

Job description

Research Financial Officer

Office of Sponsored Programs

Georgia State University

Georgia State University’s Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is dedicated to supporting the university’s growing research community and portfolio of sponsored projects. The university has attracted significant research funding from federal sponsors, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other partners. GSU faculty brought in $186 million in research funding during the past year, topping $100 million for the tenth consecutive year.

The Office of Sponsored Programs supports GSU faculty, staff, and research teams with pre-award and post-award activities related to sponsored projects. OSP is organized into pre-award, post-award, and universal teams that provide specialized support throughout the sponsored project lifecycle. The Cash Management Team serves as a key resource for the financial administration of sponsored awards and provides professional expertise in invoicing, accounts receivable, financial reporting, account reconciliation, compliance monitoring, and project closeout.

WHAT MAKES THE OFFICE OF SPONSORED PROGRAMS A GREAT PLACE?

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship.
• A rapidly growing office within a major research university.
• Opportunities to contribute to the effective financial management of GSU’s growing sponsored research portfolio.

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Establish sponsored awards in the financial system according to award guidelines and specifications.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual bills and invoices in accordance with sponsor requirements and award terms.
• Ensure proper documentation and accounting of required cost sharing.
• Reconcile sponsored project accounts to the General Ledger, awarded budget, and applicable contractual rates.
• Monitor assigned projects for expenditures and financial compliance with applicable federal, state, and GSU policies and procedures and recommend appropriate solutions to maintain compliance.
• Review monthly accounts receivable and aged receivables and communicate with sponsors regarding outstanding or uncollectible amounts.
• Assist with the resolution of accounts receivable issues and other financial matters related to sponsored projects.
• Prepare and submit quarterly, annual, and final financial reports as specified in award documents or contracts.
• Complete sponsored project closeout activities in accordance with sponsor and university requirements.
• Provide professional and responsive financial support to GSU’s research community.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT SKILLS AND ABILITIES WILL MAKE YOU TRULY SHINE?

• A positive attitude.
• An aptitude for complex financial activities.
• A drive to help continuously improve OSP.
• Flexibility and a willingness to find solutions.
• The ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Responsiveness and dedication to serving GSU’s research community.
• Previous experience associated with higher education, especially with research administration or sponsored project financial management.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance and (4) years of university or non-profit/government fiduciary experience; or a combination of training and experience.