Salk Institute Office of Technology Development
Research Accounting Specialist II (Post-Award)
Salk Institute Office of Technology Development, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Research Accounting Specialist II (Post-Award)
Join to apply for the
Research Accounting Specialist II (Post-Award)
role at
Salk Institute Office of Technology Development . About the Role
The Research Accounting Specialist II (RAS II) is responsible for the financial post-award management of a complex portfolio of sponsored research projects, including government grants, private agency/foundation awards, gifts, and internally funded initiatives. This role ensures compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, Institute policies, and federal regulations. The position operates in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, requiring strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Responsibilities
Portfolio Management
– Review award documents to ensure compliance with sponsor terms, conditions, regulations, and restrictions. Manage a portfolio of complex projects (including institutional initiatives, center grants, and other multi-component awards) and grants that support multiple labs and core facilities. Maintain current knowledge of sponsor requirements and fiscal policies, and serve as a resource by researching, interpreting, and communicating funding agency guidance to RACT management, PIs and/or their designees as issues arise. Analyze current and historical funding and spending trends to identify budget surpluses or deficits by lab, grant, and budget category. Monitor expenditures across budget periods and the full life cycle of grants/gifts to ensure proper allocation and compliance. Review cash receipt allocations and monitor grant accounts receivable on a quarterly basis. Review and approve expenditure documents—including purchase orders, check requests, travel reimbursements, invoices, monthly recharges, and animal purchases — ensuring compliance with institutional policies and sponsor regulations. Reporting & Compliance
– Independently prepare and submit external financial reports for grant awards and gift agreements, ensuring compliance with diverse sponsor requirements and deadlines. Perform closeout actions on grant and gift funds as required. Prepare funding and expenditure analyses for budget forecasting to identify historical trends, supporting senior management and PIs in monitoring financial performance. Exercise discretion and sound judgment in significant matters related to fund management and lab financial status, determining appropriate action plans in collaboration with PIs and administration. Communication and Collaboration
– Serve as the primary contact for Principal Investigators (PIs) and their designees on post-award research funding, financial management, compliance, and institutional policies. Apply comprehensive knowledge and independent judgment to interpret policies and guidelines, providing fiscal options and recommending actions that balance scientific needs with institutional and sponsor requirements. Respond promptly to inquiries from PIs, administrative management, and other departments, and communicate financial issues through meetings, calls, and written correspondence. Investigate and resolve grant-related data and financial issues, including delinquent payments, escalating matters to senior research accounting leadership when appropriate. Performs other related duties as assigned by management. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration or financial operations, including at least 2 years of post-award management of sponsored projects. Strong knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance/2 CFR 200) and sponsor-specific requirements. Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Computer skills required: Microsoft Office What We Can Offer
The expected pay range for this position is
$72,750-$82,000
per annum. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Benefits
Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace. Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including any combination of characteristics or perceptions related to them. Job Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance Industries: Research Services
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Join to apply for the
Research Accounting Specialist II (Post-Award)
role at
Salk Institute Office of Technology Development . About the Role
The Research Accounting Specialist II (RAS II) is responsible for the financial post-award management of a complex portfolio of sponsored research projects, including government grants, private agency/foundation awards, gifts, and internally funded initiatives. This role ensures compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, Institute policies, and federal regulations. The position operates in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, requiring strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community and fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Responsibilities
Portfolio Management
– Review award documents to ensure compliance with sponsor terms, conditions, regulations, and restrictions. Manage a portfolio of complex projects (including institutional initiatives, center grants, and other multi-component awards) and grants that support multiple labs and core facilities. Maintain current knowledge of sponsor requirements and fiscal policies, and serve as a resource by researching, interpreting, and communicating funding agency guidance to RACT management, PIs and/or their designees as issues arise. Analyze current and historical funding and spending trends to identify budget surpluses or deficits by lab, grant, and budget category. Monitor expenditures across budget periods and the full life cycle of grants/gifts to ensure proper allocation and compliance. Review cash receipt allocations and monitor grant accounts receivable on a quarterly basis. Review and approve expenditure documents—including purchase orders, check requests, travel reimbursements, invoices, monthly recharges, and animal purchases — ensuring compliance with institutional policies and sponsor regulations. Reporting & Compliance
– Independently prepare and submit external financial reports for grant awards and gift agreements, ensuring compliance with diverse sponsor requirements and deadlines. Perform closeout actions on grant and gift funds as required. Prepare funding and expenditure analyses for budget forecasting to identify historical trends, supporting senior management and PIs in monitoring financial performance. Exercise discretion and sound judgment in significant matters related to fund management and lab financial status, determining appropriate action plans in collaboration with PIs and administration. Communication and Collaboration
– Serve as the primary contact for Principal Investigators (PIs) and their designees on post-award research funding, financial management, compliance, and institutional policies. Apply comprehensive knowledge and independent judgment to interpret policies and guidelines, providing fiscal options and recommending actions that balance scientific needs with institutional and sponsor requirements. Respond promptly to inquiries from PIs, administrative management, and other departments, and communicate financial issues through meetings, calls, and written correspondence. Investigate and resolve grant-related data and financial issues, including delinquent payments, escalating matters to senior research accounting leadership when appropriate. Performs other related duties as assigned by management. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in research administration or financial operations, including at least 2 years of post-award management of sponsored projects. Strong knowledge of federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance/2 CFR 200) and sponsor-specific requirements. Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Computer skills required: Microsoft Office What We Can Offer
The expected pay range for this position is
$72,750-$82,000
per annum. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Benefits
Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace. Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including any combination of characteristics or perceptions related to them. Job Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance Industries: Research Services
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