Research Grants & Budget Finance Specialist

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Scholarships

Retirement plan

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Engineering seeks a Finance Specialist to support financial management across state accounts, grants, service centers, and revolving funds. You will guide departments on funding strategies, contracts, and sponsor submissions, while assisting PIs with budgets and post-award administration.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty, compliance, and sound financial stewardship within a robust benefits environment at UNL.

Qualifications

• ,
• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience in financial management, accounting, grant administration, or related field.
• Experience with SAP or another large integrated financial system.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in compliance with laws and policies.
• Strong communication and collaborative relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of accounts and advise on financial management, funding strategies, and compliance across various funding sources.
• Review and coordinate complex financial activities, including travel, contracts, journal entries, AR, capital assets, and other transactions.
• Support development and submission of sponsored research proposals with faculty and departments.
• Assist Principal Investigators in preparing budgets, justifications, and sponsor package approvals.
• Support post-award grant financial management and reporting to ensure compliance.
• Provide budget analysis and generate reports; identify potential areas of concern.
• Serve as primary resource for contract administration and create templates.
• Collaborate to develop and improve service center operations and contracts.
• Prepare and review standardized financial reports and investigate anomalies.
• Advise on university policies to help departments navigate compliance.
• Maintain records according to policy.

Skills

Excel / data analysis

Confidentiality

Communication skills

Organization skills

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Engineering seeks a Finance Specialist to support financial management across state accounts, grants, service centers, and revolving funds. You will guide departments on funding strategies, contracts, and sponsor submissions, while assisting PIs with budgets and post-award administration.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty, compliance, and sound financial stewardship within a robust benefits environment at UNL.