Finance and Research Administrator - Department of Mechanical Engineering

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!

In Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Mechanical Engineering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and complex problem-solving are the pillars of what we do. Our faculty, researchers, and students are revolutionizing focus areas in advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, computational engineering, energy and the environment, product design, and robotics. In addition, they are using their expertise in interdisciplinary- research centers across the university.

The Mechanical Engineering Department is seeking a motivated and Finance and Research Administrator to join our staff team. This role will provide administrative and financial support for grant, contract, or sponsored research administration under the supervision of the Research and Financial Manager. This is an excellent opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and challenging work environment. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work as part of a team.  The Finance and Research Administrator role is essential to effective and efficient support within the department and university on critical functions related to research administration. 

Core Responsibilities:

Post-Award

• Working closely with Research and Financial manager to assist with post award reporting and other financial transactions.
• Assisting with researching faculty inquiries
• Supporting post-award activities including the processing of modifications and no cost extensions
• Managing award setup for assigned faculty.
• Planning closure or extensions of expiring grants and sends close out notices      90/60/30 days before award end date.
• Preparing awards for closeout, researching issues, and prepares for Manager to review.
• Advising PIs on fiscal policies and procedures as they pertain to the management of research funds.
• Interpreting complex award documents and sponsor terms and conditions
• Acting a liaison for CIT Engineering Research Accelerator, Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP), Sponsored Project Accounting SPA, and other related teams for assigned faculty.
• Copying and formatting monthly reporting of accounts to assigned faculty.
• Meeting and reviewing award budget and award funding status with PIs.
• Tracking PI effort commitments for assigned faculty.
• Supporting the personnel planning process
• Monitoring the shared research inbox
• Other post-award duties as requested.

Finance

• Managing a sponsored award portfolio for 15-18 assigned faculty.
• Reviewing faculty accounts (both sponsored and internally funded) and distributing monthly reports to faculty.
• Forecasting faculty accounts and notifying appropriate parties of allocation changes (scheduling and transfers)
• Reviewing task funding
• Tracking cost share and preparing reconciliation transactions
• Working closely with Sponsored Projects Accounting (SPA)
• Tracking subaward invoicing and spending

Administrative

• Maintaining templates and distributing to faculty.
• Staying current in sponsor rules and regulations.
• Attending departmental and university wide meetings, as well as training sessions to learn new programs, policies, and processes.

Inclusion and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of diverse audiences. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1-3 years of experience in sponsored research administration or accounting experience
• Familiarity with Federal sponsors like NIH, NSF, DOE (including ARPA-E), DOD, as well as nonfederal sponsors in industry and foundations strongly preferred.
• Experience with using Power BI and Excel (creating pivot tables, vlookup/xlookup, and using macros)
• Ability to condense complex information and communicate effectively and clearly to different stakeholders.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records.
• Ability to work with sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• CRA preferred.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• This position is a mostly remote with minimal expectations of in-person/on-campus time for monthly staff meetings and other departmental events throughout the year. 

Please include a Resume and cover letter as part of your application.

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

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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!

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