AWARD SPECIALIST (STAFF ACCOUNTANT)

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program.  We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century:  https://100.scripps.edu/

 

POSITION TITLE:    Award Specialist (Staff Accountant)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Award Specialist plays a key role in supporting the Office of Sponsored Programs by working with the Award Operations Manager to advance the reporting and financial management of the institution’s scientific efforts. Key responsibilities include reviewing award documents to ensure compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, interpreting and applying budgetary regulations, and ensuring data accuracy and integrity in the institute’s eRA system (Streamlyne) and ERP system (Workday).  This role will collaborate with both scientific and administrative teams to maintain accurate project-specific budgets and provide timely sponsored programs and financial reporting.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

• Review sponsor specific award documents, interpret terms and conditions, and apply budget information and regulations accurately
• Create and maintain award records, ensuring proper documentation and record keeping
• Research historical award budgets, verify the accuracy of data, and make corrections if necessary
• Develop and manage internal project-specific budget templates, collaborating with Financial Analysts to finalize, monitor, and adjust project budgets, ensuring prompt and accurate entry in the ERP
• Ensure data integrity across multiple systems
• Assist with eRA and ERP system administration and data management
• Prepare specialized reports and/or provide support for reporting requests as needed
• Support monthly billing priorities and procedures and contribute to ensuring smooth cash flow operations
• Perform special projects as assigned (e.g., budget projections support, analysis to support Management, systems implementation, etc.)
• Maintain a working knowledge of Sponsor and Scripps Research requirements and regulations
• Serve as primary point of contact for the shared grants inbox, coordinating incoming sponsor communications and notices of award
• Collaborate effectively with Pre-Award, Post-Award, and Central Finance Sponsored Programs teams to support short and long-term organizational outcomes and key results
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience preferred
• Minimum two years of professional-level research administration or accounting experience preferred
• Experience with grant accounting and compliance regulations for research funding agencies
• Experience working with the NIH and/or other federal sponsors and expertise in the effective implementation of the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards (UG) preferred
• Experience and/or ability to understand and implement new budgetary grant pronouncements
• A general understanding of processes and controls
• Experience working with large ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or eRA (Electronic Research Administration) systems preferred, experience with Workday and/or Streamlyne a plus
• Effective analytical, verbal, and written communication skills and the ability to efficiently interact with faculty, staff, and leadership
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills