Research Accounting & Compliance Administrator

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CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Research Accounting & Compliance Administrator manages key accounting and compliance functions for sponsored programs, with primary responsibility for the University's cash drawdown process - ensuring cash requests are accurate, timely, and in accordance with sponsor requirements, federal regulations, and institutional policies. The role supports post-award research accounting activities, including financial reporting, compliance monitoring, audit preparation, and analysis of sponsored program financials. It serves as a key resource for internal stakeholders and collaborates closely with the Director, Research Accounting, principal investigators, departments, and central finance teams. Additionally, this position plays a significant role in annual audit activities - including the Single Audit - by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, and responding to audit-related data requests

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Manages the sponsored program cash drawdown process, including preparation, review, documentation, and submission in accordance with sponsor requirements and applicable regulations.

2. Ensures drawdown activity is accurate, timely, properly supported, and aligned with eligible sponsored program expenditures.

3. Reviews sponsored program financial activity to support drawdown calculations, identify discrepancies, and ensure reconciliation between expenditures, awards, and cash requested.

4. Maintains documentation and audit support for all drawdowns, including calculations, approvals, reconciliations, and related backup.

5. Supports post-award accounting functions, including analysis of grant and contract financial activity and compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.

6. Prepares and analyzes complex financial data for internal and external reporting and management reporting specific to research administration and sponsored program activity.

7. Coordinates responses to internal and external audit data requests, including preparation of schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the Single Audit and other compliance reviews.

8. Assists in the preparation and analysis of annual federal and state expenditure reporting, including schedules required for audit and compliance purposes.

9. Monitors sponsored program activity and internal reports to identify potential compliance issues, unusual activity, or areas requiring follow-up.

10. Interprets and applies university policies, federal regulations, sponsor terms, and accounting guidance related to sponsored program financial management, including OMB Uniform Guidance.

11. Serves as a liaison between Research Accounting, departments, principal investigators, research administration, and central finance on sponsored program accounting, drawdowns, reporting, and audit matters.

12. Evaluates existing procedures and recommends process improvements to enhance accuracy, compliance, documentation, and operational efficiency within Research Accounting.

13. Establishes and assesses the effectiveness of internal controls within assigned areas, ensuring processes are appropriately documented and aligned with University policies and procedures.

14. Oversees implementation of policies and work standards in support of the Director, Research Accounting, and provides guidance, training, and work review to staff involved in research accounting processes.

15. Establishes and continuously assesses the effectiveness of the internal controls within the unit and compliance with University policies and procedures. Ensures employees are trained on controls within the function and on University policy and procedures.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required

Experience:
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience required

Certification and Licensing:
Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.

• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.

• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the job.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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