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Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Finance Division at Carnegie Mellon University is responsible for providing financial management, enterprise planning and stewardship in support of education, research, and strategic goals of the university. As part of the Controller’s Office Team, the payroll department supports the entire scope of pay operations for CMU, including staff, faculty, and students, across international and domestic multi-state locations.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated **Sponsored Projects Accountant** to be an integral part of our research administration team. In this role, you will be a key contributor to the financial management and compliance oversight for a diverse portfolio of sponsored awards. You will serve as a dependable financial partner to Principal Investigators and department administrators, ensuring the integrity of financial data and adherence to sponsor requirements. This position requires a professional with strong technical knowledge, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to supporting the university's research mission. If you are driven by accuracy and thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to apply.

Core Competencies & Responsibilities

Financial Stewardship & Integrity (25%)

+ Support the financial close process for sponsored projects in collaboration with Cash Management, ensuring adherence to sponsor terms, university policy, and federal regulations.

+ Ensure the integrity of financial data by performing the reconciliation of project accounts prior to the submission of invoices and reports.

+ Manage revenue recognition for the assigned sponsored projects portfolio, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and institutional standards.

+ Execute the timely and accurate processing of revenue events within the financial system to maintain the integrity of the university's financial records.

Compliance & Stakeholder Support (25%)

+ Serve as a primary financial resource for Principal Investigators (PIs) and department business managers, providing clear guidance on award management and compliance matters.

+ Promote a culture of compliance by monitoring expenditures, identifying potential issues, and working with departments to find timely and compliant resolutions.

+ Assist in gathering documentation and preparing responses for federal multi-agency audits, compiling evidence, and supporting the development of institutional responses.

+ Apply a strong working knowledge of federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) to daily tasks.

+ Function as a helpful liaison to the campus community, answering inquiries and ensuring a consistent and compliant approach to research administration.

Award & Systems Management (20%)

+ Execute the end-to-end setup of new awards, ensuring alignment with university, sponsor, and federal requirements.

+ Provide clear guidance regarding the financial administration of the award lifecycle, including funding modifications, budget validation, and management of financial installments.

+ Ensure accurate data flow between project modules and the general ledger to maintain financial accuracy and system integrity.

Portfolio Management & Reporting (25%)

+ Manage a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects, applying a solid understanding of sponsor-specific regulations for federal, foundation, and corporate awards.

+ Prepare and deliver all financial reports and invoice backup in a timely and accurate manner, validating cost-sharing commitments and monitoring project deliverables to meet contractual obligations.

+ Conduct routine budget-to-actual variance analysis, escalating financial risks to PIs and department administrators to help guide project spending.

+ Provide diligent oversight of sub-awardee invoicing and reporting to ensure compliance with award terms.

+ Monitor key personnel effort to ensure alignment with commitments and sponsor requirements.

+ Lead the comprehensive reconciliation and final closeout of awards, ensuring all financial, technical, and compliance requirements are met and documented.

Process Improvement & Professional Development (5%)

+ Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of sponsored project administration.

+ Participate as a team member on cross-functional projects that support departmental and institutional goals.

+ Participate as a team member on collaborative research administration and campus teams to identify and implement improvements to shared business and technology processes supporting sponsored awards.

+ Engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay current with evolving regulations and best practices in research administration.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Required Competencies:

+ A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

+ Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in grant and contract accounting, sponsored research administration, or a closely related field.

+ Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations governing research, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FAR, and CAS.

+ Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret and apply policies and regulations.

+ Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to clearly convey information to faculty, staff, and administrators.

+ Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., Oracle, Workday, SAP) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Preferred Competencies:

+ An advanced degree or professional certification (CPA, CRA - Certified Research Administrator).

+ Direct experience in a university, academic medical center, or non-profit research institution.

+ Experience with a variety of award mechanisms from federal and non-federal sponsors.

+ Experience participating in process improvement projects or system testing.

+ A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

**Requirements** :

+ Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html)** **as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities)** **,** **and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html)** **.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Financial Planning, Analysis, Accounting and Reporting

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

+ Please visit **“Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) ”** to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

+ Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits

+ **Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity** **Employer/Disability/Veteran** .

+ Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/system-guides/external-applicants/job-alerts.pdf) through your candidate profile.

**If your heart is in your work, come work with us.** Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services ([email protected]) or call 412-268-4600.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services ([email protected]) or call 412-268-3930.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)