Job Details

Senior Research Financial Specialist

Position Number: 6781458
Location: Providence, RI
Position Type: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Senior Research Financial Specialist
Brown University

To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-careers-brown/job/South-Street-Landing/Senior-Research-Financial-Specialist_REQ205260

Job Description:

About Brown

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University's benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity

The Senior Research Financial Specialist is a member of the Post Award Services team in the University's central Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP). The incumbent is responsible for the coordination, execution, and oversight of all federal Letter of Credit drawdown and cash management activities for sponsored projects, ensuring the accurate and timely receipt of federal funds in compliance with University policies and federal regulations. As the preponderance of the University's research support is received from federal agencies, LOC draws processed promptly will continue to ensure a healthy cash position and protect the university's financial standing by minimizing reliance on institutional operating funds to cover sponsored project expenses.

This position serves as the University's primary subject matter expert on federal drawdowns and related cash management functions, overseeing daily, weekly, and monthly drawdowns from federal payment systems (e.g., Payment Management System, ACM$, ASAP, G6), and ensuring appropriate reconciliation of drawdowns and cash receipts to University financial records. This requires expertise in managing drawdown requests against variable and unpredictable agency payment schedules to ensure the appropriate and timely reconciliation of drawdowns and cash receipts to University financial records. This also requires leveraging exceptional diplomacy and communications skills to best represent Brown University in challenging conversations with funders.

In addition to core drawdown and cash management responsibilities, the position will provide administrative post award services to faculty and administrators by reviewing and processing awards, including interpreting and ensuring compliance with award terms and conditions, rendering decisions regarding sponsored project issues, budget management, expenditure review, financial reporting, cash management, and all other award management and award activities for these awards, including participation in training and systems development.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and 5 to 7 years of research administration experience or closely related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
Experience managing federal drawdowns, cash management, and financial reconciliations.
Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200, the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)) and sponsor-specific requirements including compliance and audit.
Experience with financial systems and grants management platforms (e.g., Workday, Huron, Coeus, or similar) preferred.

Job Competencies

Advanced knowledge of sponsored research financial management principles, including cash flow management, expenditure tracking, and reconciliation processes.
Ability to interact effectively with staff, faculty, deans and external sponsors; strong organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment; ability to satisfy divergent interest in support of broader strategic goals of the University.
Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, to elicit and communicate information, to analyze complex issues, to prepare/present clear, informative and concise materials, and to engage productively in challenging conversations with funders, representing Brown.
Strong organizational, analytical and administrative skills. Initiative and judgement to independently solve problems and prioritize.
Ability to work independently, but also as a strong team player when needed, with diverse stakeholders across administrative and academic units.
Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced environment
Exceptional attention to detail and ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Ability to interpret and communicate complex federal and institutional policies and regulations clearly and effectively. Keep up with emerging issues in research administration and rapidly changing technology to meet both internal and external OSP needs.
Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other financial reporting tools.

Additional Information

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter with their application.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-12-02

Job Posting Title:
Senior Research Financial Specialist

Department:
Office of Sponsored Projects

Grade:
Grade 10

Worker Type:
Employee

Worker Sub-Type:
Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5

Position Work Location:
Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.