Grant Manager for Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA)

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) has an outstanding opportunity for an Grant Manager to join their Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA) team.   

About this Opportunity  

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA), the Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA) Grant Managers are responsible for directing and managing major operational programs and services related to new account set-up, invoicing, reporting, cash management, compliance, and office support areas within the GCA. The Grant Managers are accountable for program performance, operational outcomes, service delivery, compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements, and the effective allocation of resources within their assigned functional areas. 

This position performs professional accounting functions including, but not limited to, complex reporting, analysis and reconciliation. In addition, the position exercises independent judgment and decision-making authority in the oversight of complex, non-routine operational and compliance matters and establishes, implements, and monitors operational procedures and work standards to ensure effective program administration. 

The Grant Manager provide leadership for personnel in all areas of GCA. This includes supervision and performance management of professional and administrative staff, including hiring, coaching, performance evaluation, staff development, workload management, and corrective action as needed. 

Additionally, this position participates in the Lean process improvement activities by leading and interacting with internal and external customers to meet and/or exceed our campus customer needs. The Grant Managers lead continuous process improvement and strategic operational initiatives, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to improve service delivery, enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen compliance, and achieve program goals and organizational objectives. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Program Leadership and Strategic Operations (50%) 

• Program Compliance, Financial Oversight, and Operational Controls (20%) 

• Personnel Leadership and Staff Development (20%) 

• Operational Coordination and Issue Resolution (10%) 

Required Qualifications:   

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field and (4) four years of of progressively responsible accounting, financial management, sponsored research administration, or related operational experience. To include (2) two years of progressively responsible leadership/management experience; demonstrated commitment to developing others to become leaders. 

• Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for degree. 

• Pro-active leadership experience and ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment effectively in managing complex operational, financial, and compliance matters in a fast-paced, high-demand environment undergoing rapid process changes 

• Demonstrated experience directing operational activities, establishing priorities, allocating resources, and balancing competing organizational demands while ensuring achievement of program objectives 

• Demonstrated experience using personal computers, specifically spreadsheet, word processing, and database software. Personal computer experience/knowledge must be at a level necessary to develop applications that enhance services and products provided to GCA customers, primarily research faculty 

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex business processes, identify operational risks, and implement process improvements that increase effectiveness, efficiency, compliance, and customer service 

• Familiarity interpreting and applying complex contract compliance and accounting requirements  

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial, operational, and compliance information effectively to faculty, administrators, managers, executive leadership, and external stakeholders 

• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse groups, stakeholders, and teams; collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership style and the ability to foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and teamwork 

Desired: 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Lean, Project Management, or related professional certification 

• Experience in sponsored research administration, grant and contract accounting, or post-award financial management 

• Experience supervising professional staff in a complex operational environment 

• Experience leading organizational change initiatives, Lean process improvement activities, or continuous improvement efforts  

• Experience with Workday Finance or other enterprise financial systems 

• Demonstrated success developing collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and leading high-performing teams 

About the Team   

Finance, Planning, and Budgeting (FPB) encompasses the major central financial, planning, analytical, and budgeting functions for the University of Washington, including:     

• Financial Stewardship & Operations     

• Institutional Analytics & Decision Support     

• Budget, Policy & Strategy     

• University Business Service  

• Real Estate