Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $101,900 - Midpoint: $142,700 (Salaried E15)

Department/Organization: 702202 - Contract and Grant Accounting

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Job Summary: The Executive Director Contract and Grant Accounting supervises, directs, and oversees the post-award financial administration of sponsored projects including reporting, cash management and general accounting functions. Establishes and maintains procedures and support systems to ensure compliance with sponsors requirements and providing overall supervision of the office.

Additional Department Summary: Contract and Grant Accounting (CGA) manages all post-award accounting and financial administration of externally sponsored projects, including award set-up and management in the University’s accounting systems, cash management, general accounting functions, sponsor invoicing, reporting, audit activities, effort reporting, and compliance with federal, state, local, private, sponsor, and University rules and regulations.

The Executive Director directs and executes all activities related to the leadership and management of Contract and Grant Accounting, in close alignment and collaboration with the Associate Vice President for Research Administration. Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the operational and strategic activities of CGA. Provides oversight of day-to-day operations for sponsored grants and contracts with a focus on promoting a culture of strong ethics and compliance while providing exemplary customer service to faculty and other key stakeholders. Hires, trains, develops, and manages the performance of CGA personnel. Ensures post-award processes are coordinated appropriately by the CGA team to maintain industry and professional standards. Manages risk to the University by monitoring compliance with applicable federal and non-federal policies, regulations and laws related to post-award grant and contract accounting activities, cost accounting standards, and general accounting policies and procedures. Serves as an authorized University representative in support of financial matters related to sponsored projects. Directs the processes for delivering sponsor invoices and financial reports, institutional metrics and reporting, national reports, and surveys, Manages and completes all internal and external audits. Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures for compliance with rules and regulations governing the accounting of sponsored projects. Develops University-wide financial training and professional development programs. Provides ongoing guidance, facilitation, and expertise on all grant and contract accounting matters. Collaborates with campus and external partners to facilitate continuous quality improvement, assess the effectiveness of internal controls, enhance technology applications, and ensure compliance of all University, sponsor, state, and federal rules and regulations.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors degree and eight (8) years of research administration, finance, or accounting experience, to include some supervisory experience; OR masters degree and six (6) years of research administration, finance, or accounting experience, to include some supervisory experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Experience in grant and contract accounting, audits, and compliance at a research-intensive organization.

Applicants should upload a cover letter summarizing interest in the position and how the minimum qualifications and any preferred qualifications are met, a full and updated resume, and a list of three references with full contact information. Please upload additional documents to the “other documents” tab as needed.

Skills and Knowledge: Expert knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including budget planning, development, and internal controls. Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in applying regulations, policies and accounting principles related to contract and grant accounting, including Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200). Ability to provide highly valued customer service to all stakeholders, to serve a diverse customer base, and establish effective working relationships. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and critical thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree or CPA. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA). Some experience creating and communicating specifications for new systems and applications to be used by staff and internal stakeholders. Experience in assessing challenges and solutions, setting goals, tracking progress, and reporting on progress toward achieving goals.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster