Senior Financial Data Analyst (Grant Management Team)

Project Duration: 24 months

Our Grants Accounting Team is responsible for managing financial data for sponsored and non-sponsored programs, ensuring transparency, and compliance. The Senior Grants Financial Data Analyst is primarily responsible for Commitment Accounting (payroll and effort) responsibilities, grant financials reconciliation, and compliance analysis. In addition, the Senior Grants Financial Data Analyst assists the Team Lead, providing support and coverage in areas relating to audits, training efforts, monitoring, and reporting. This position works under the guidance of the Grants Accounting Team Lead and regularly gives reports to, and advises, senior leadership in the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration and Finance on relevant business process redesigns and assists on business office projects as assigned.

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
3 years related progressive experience in data analysis and/or preferably sponsored post award financial matters (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
Advanced Excel skills with a proven ability to manipulate and interpret complex financial data.
Must complete an Excel assessment and demonstrate advanced Excel skills.
Proficiency in financial analysis tools and data visualization software required.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data management.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively within a team.
Problem-solving mindset and ability to troubleshoot financial discrepancies.
Analytical skills and knowledge of financial analysis techniques.
Ability to think critically, multi-task, and prioritize projects.
Self-motivated and intuitive thinker.
Thorough understanding of office systems, including interfaces between systems.
Working knowledge of PeopleSoft HCM and Finance and query development.
Working knowledge of Huron Effort Certification (eCrt) system.
Ability to prepare ad-hoc reports.
Proficiency in managing and understanding data, including various grant and contract-related data.
Familiarity with regulations governing grants and contracts.
Ability to communicate effectively with process stakeholders.

Functional Accountabilities
Payroll & Effort; Allocation Management

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of commitment accounting principles, with a focus on payroll and effort allocation, to accurately track grant expenditures.

• Collaborate with project managers, HR, and other stakeholders to ensure precise recording of payroll expenses and effort allocations for each grant.

• Support biweekly payroll processing.

• Maintain and update employee salary and effort allocations.

• Perform and oversee manual adjustments to financial data, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of grant commitments, expenses, and effort allocations.

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of payroll and effort adjustments, ensuring compliance with grant regulations and internal policies.

• Work closely with the HR team to validate payroll distributions aligned with approved budgets and project activities.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Utilize advanced Excel skills to conduct thorough data analysis related to grants and generate insightful reports to monitor spending, commitments, and project progress.

• Independently identify and explain significant trends or deviations of financial data.

• Present findings in a clear and organized manner to stakeholders and management.

• Perform periodic quality assurance checks on financial data to maintain data accura