Senior Director of Cost Analysis and Financial Reporting

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

The Senior Director of Cost Analysis and Financial Reporting serves as the University’s lead for research-related financial data analysis, internal and external reporting, and institutional cost studies. This role provides strategic and technical leadership for financial compliance under Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and works closely with internal stakeholders to develop dashboards and financial reports for sponsored program oversight. The Senior Director directly supervises the Assistant Director of Effort and Financial Reporting and the Senior Cost Analyst and supports the University's F&A rate proposal, fringe benefit rate development, and research-related financial modeling. The position is a critical partner in ensuring transparency, accuracy, and responsiveness in research financial reporting.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This position provides direct supervision for the Assistant Director of Effort and Financial Reporting and the Senior Cost Analyst. Additional oversight of project-based teams or consultants may occur as assigned.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Senior Director reports to the Associate Vice President for Research and collaborates extensively with directors across the Office of Research, the Controller’s Office, and Budget and Planning. This role serves as the primary liaison for research-related financial reporting to federal agencies and internal university leadership.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the development, quality control, and submission of financial reports for federal and institutional research reporting (e.g., HERD Survey, NSF/NIH data requests).
• Supervise the Assistant Director of Effort and Financial Reporting and the Senior Cost Analyst, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance standards.
• Design and maintain dashboards and decision-support tools for senior leadership regarding sponsored program trends, projections, and cost analyses.
• Serve as the lead on the University’s Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate proposal and collaborate as needed on the fringe benefit rate development process.
• Support internal and external audit responses and ensure availability of documentation for financial analyses and sponsor reports.
• Respond to ad hoc data and reporting requests from the Office of Research, CFO, and academic leadership.
• Provide expert analysis on research expenditures, burn rates, labor costs, and effort data.
• Collaborate with Pre-Award, Research Operations, Research Development, Tech Transfer and to ensure data integrity and uniform reporting practices.
• Analyze and recommend improvements to business processes and data flows between Workday, Cayuse, and other systems.
• Serve as a technical resource for F&A analsysis, Uniform Guidance Cost Principles, interpretations and financial compliance strategy.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Expert knowledge of federal cost principles, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and research-related financial regulations.
• Demonstrated experience with F&A and fringe rate development and federal cost policy.
• Strong leadership, supervi