Grants & Finance Manager

Department

Development Economics Center

About the Department

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Job Summary

The job works independently to administer pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit.

The job works independently to administer a portfolio of funding, including finance management and post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within the Development Innovation Lab and affiliated programs.

The job manages projects in monitoring the operating and capital budgets within The Social Sciences Division and/or University-wide administrative units. At the instruction of others, performs work that contributes to development of long- and short-term financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for major service programs and initiatives. Utilizes knowledge of finance to help coordinate monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting for all funds in the operating budget. The job manages the post award activities within the assigned portfolio including reading proposal guidelines, preparing administrative components of award closeout submissions, preparing reporting, performing funding searches, developing and preparing budgets, and monitoring regulatory compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Primary manager for the procurement process, allocation of expenditures for authorization, and advises on communications with funding agencies, subcontractors, and others at the instruction.
• Provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners in an intensive customer service environment.
• Oversees gift and endowment accounts, departmental operating accounts and faculty unrestricted research accounts.
• Serves as liaison between PIs, University administrative offices, and external agencies.
• Assists in preparation of summaries for Principal investigators of grant projections and responds to questions from Principal Investigators.
• Coordinates and ensures completion of annual, final, and ad hoc financial requirements and keeps the Principal Investigator informed of progress.
• Interacts with University Research Administration, Faculty, Department Pre-Award Staff, Department Human Resources, Pre/Post Award staff in other departments and Financial Services Office personnel.
• Manages all aspects of post-award administration for the assigned portfolio including award budgeting, award management, award reporting, and award closeout.
• Manages the post-award activities for the assigned portfolio including account creation, regulatory compliance monitoring, salary allocations and effort reporting, lab order processing, invoice preparation, payment processing, cost center charges, cost transfers, summer salary processing, grant projections, grant closing processes and account closing.
• Approve all transactions charged to restricted and unrestricted accounts so that expenditures agree with account budgets.
• Approve and transfer payroll and expenditures, monitor invoicing and payments, and reconcile charges using monthly ledgers and Oracle.
• Analyzes and prepares budgets and projections, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.
• Prepares monthly reports, conducts and corrects errors in accounts using existing procedures that are in place, and provides advice on the financial impact of human resources and academic affairs decisions.
• Ensures service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and that all faculty and research staff are aware of any new grant policies and changes.
• Analyzes industry trends and remains current with agency and regulatory changes. Monitors department/ unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implements corrective actions for issues identified.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Preferences Competencies

• Work experience in accounting or related field.
• Progressively responsible experience in administe