Senior Financial Research AdministratorUniversity of Pittsburgh

Senior Financial Research Administrator

Med-Neurology - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26000527)

The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurology, seeks a qualified Senior Financial Research Administrator to support research operations.

The successful candidate will independently provide high-level financial oversight and strategic support for sponsored research projects and clinical studies. This role ensures compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements while managing complex research portfolios and advising faculty. By the fifth month of employment, the individual is expected to demonstrate the ability to perform duties with a high degree of autonomy.

Key Responsibilities and Qualifications:

• Provide expert financial guidance during proposal development, including budget justification and allowability analysis

• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements including contract terms and conditions

• Manage financial administration for a portfolio of sponsored research awards (federal, state, foundation and industry)

• Ability to provide accurate and timely post-award financial reconciliations to supervisors and team members

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively while meeting established deadlines

• Highly analytical

Work Arrangement:
This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement following an initial 2–3 day per week on-campus training period.

Job Summary

Performs pre- and post-award accounting duties for very complex grants and contracts. Prepares, negotiates, and monitors very complex grants, contracts, subcontracts, and budgets. Prepares complex government applications and reports and interprets policy and procedure. Monitors account activity, performs internal audits, processes budget modifications, analyzes financials, and reviews routine reports. Develops and implements accounting techniques and procedures for operational improvements and assists with managing special projects and preparing operating budgets.

Essential Functions

Performs pre- and post-award accounting duties for very complex grants and contracts; oversees and approves invoices, cost analyses, re-budgeting projects, sub-awards, journal entries, and supply purchases. May include clinical trials
• Prepares, negotiates, and monitors very complex grants, contracts, subcontracts, and budgets; processes amendments, modifications, extensions, and terminations of contracts; arbitrates claims and complaints; serves as a primary contact for all accounting and regulatory issues.
• Monitors account activity including expenditures, cost transfers, adjustments, reconciliations, and other related transactions; performs internal audits and processes budget modifications.
• Serves as liaison between internal and external stakeholders including all federal and public accounting agencies and firms.
• Ensures accuracy and adherence to budgets, sponsor terms, federal regulations, policies, and procedures; provides policy and procedure interpretation.
• Prepares complex applications and reports to federal and sponsoring agencies; analyzes financial documentation and reviews routine reports.
• Develops and implements accounting techniques, policies, and procedures to reduce expenses and improve operations.
• Tracks multiple grants and contracts to advise University employees on long-term financial viability; educates employees on grant and contract procedures.

Physical Effort

Must be able to navigate a university setting. Must be able to communicate effectively.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Grants & Contracts Specialist IV (Pre & Post-Award)

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Grants & Contracts

Campus: Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification: NA

Work Schedule: M-F, 8:30-5:00

Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable

Required Documents: Resume

Optional Documents: Not Applicable




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI281902567