University of Colorado
Sponsored Project Financial Specialist (Open Rank, Intermediate to Principal)
University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80012
Sponsored Project Financial Specialist (Open Rank, Intermediate to Principal)
Department:
Financial Services - Office of Grants and Contracts
Job Title:
Sponsored Project Financial Specialist (Open Rank, Intermediate to Principal)
Position #:
00768854 - Requisition # 38608
Job Summary:
We are looking for someone with:
positive energy, motivation, vision, and a desire for continuous learning
a strategic mind‑set and forward‑thinking
a belief that strong relationships are key to success
a can‑do attitude
a focus on providing solutions based on the requirements and necessary outcomes of those whom we serve
Key Responsibilities Sponsored Projects Award Modifications and Setup (15%)
Review all awards for terms and conditions, billing, payment information, and reporting requirements to perform the setup of the award.
Ensure award data in InfoEd is accurate and complete.
Track award files in the InfoEd system.
Enter award data in the PeopleSoft grants module.
Award Invoicing/Billing (10%)
Complete monthly and quarterly billing of contracts to create account receivables. Work with sponsors and departments for all invoicing concerns, questions, and actions.
Submit invoices to sponsors according to award/contract requirements.
Conduct the reconciliation of accounts receivable and open items to the general ledger in PeopleSoft while reviewing outstanding invoices.
Financial Reporting Creation & Submission (15%)
Prepare and submit financial reports.
Perform tasks necessary to determine if changes are needed to bring the project into compliance.
Determine if certain costs are allowed and that the project is within the authorized budget amount.
Review the Trial Balance financial statement to examine the cash balance to determine the necessary decision and action(s) required to clear the cash residual or deficit.
Financial Management of Awards/Projects (10%)
Monitor project budgets, indirect cost rates and charges, overspending, fiscal and sponsor compliance.
Properly monitor portfolio by analyzing the tools to ensure that information is provided. If tools are lacking, this should be communicated to leadership for improvement opportunities and changes.
Award Closeouts (15%)
Monitor projects throughout the life at least quarterly to ensure that revenues are applied correctly in PeopleSoft.
Ensure that budget and billing limits are accurate.
Monitor F&A and direct charges and quickly correct errors.
Properly close, retire, and inactivate the assigned project no later than 120 days after the budget end date.
Sponsored Projects Cost Transfers Review and Approval (20%)
Monitor the reallocation of expense approvals for compliance with various policies.
Analyze each current and new check distribution lines within payroll expense transfers to ensure the percent of effort equals 100% and aligns with the justification provided.
Examine Journal Entries to ensure the required documentation is provided which includes an explanation of the error that aligns with the actual transaction.
Sponsored Projects Subcontract Review and Approval (15%)
Investigate all sub‑award agreements for the budget period and analyze the language of the contract to determine if carry forward is allowed.
Ensure changes are not required for the partially executed contract. If an error is found, communicate information back to the contracts team for further review and changes.
Customer Service (ongoing)
Conduct regular meetings with departments and respond timely and professionally to emails and phone calls from sponsors, principal investigators, department administrators and other OGC units.
Principal Professional Key Responsibilities
In addition to the duties above, appointments at this level will serve as work leads over other Post Award Specialists and provide expert-level guidance and direction.
Work Location This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of a minimum of 2 days per week on campus and additional days on campus as needed for training, in‑person meetings or during peak times.
Why Join Us
Participate in professional development opportunities to grow your career.
Build relationships with other departmental staff, focused on understanding needs along with opportunities for improving processes.
Partner with other financial staff in developing key financial performance tools and share them with departmental stakeholders.
Become part of a department where inclusiveness and culture are valued.
If interested, you can earn a master's degree at a greatly reduced rate through our Employee Tuition Assistance Benefit program.
Why work for the University?
Medical: Multiple plan options
Dental: Multiple plan options
Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
Holiday Days: 10/year
Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Intermediate Level
A bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution. Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year‑for‑year basis.
At least one (1) year of professional grants, contracts, finance, expense/federal reporting or related experience.
Senior Level
A bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution. Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year‑for‑year basis.
At least two (2) years of professional grants, contracts, finance, expense/federal reporting or related experience.
Principal Level
A bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution. Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
At least three (3) years of professional grants, contracts, finance, expense/federal reporting or related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in the administration of sponsored research or other central research‑related office in higher educational institution, government, or other entity engaged in sponsored research.
General accounting and/or financial experience.
Experience with process documentation and process improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Strong, interpersonal, teamwork and customer service skills.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel, Access, and Word).
Excellent time and workflow management skills.
Excellent problem‑solving skills.
How to Apply Screening of Applications Begins: January 19, 2026
Anticipated Pay Range
Intermediate Level: $52,312 - $66,541
Senior Level: $56,553 - $71,936
Principal Level: $65,036 - $82,726
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement CU Anschutz is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. The University of Colorado offers an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Background Check Statement CU Anschutz conducts background investigations for all prospective employees to ensure a safe and secure environment.
Vaccination Statement CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against COVID‑19 and other vaccine‑preventable diseases. Employees required to work in healthcare facilities or perform certain safety‑sensitive duties must comply with the respective vaccination policies.
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Financial Services - Office of Grants and Contracts
Job Title:
Sponsored Project Financial Specialist (Open Rank, Intermediate to Principal)
Position #:
00768854 - Requisition # 38608
Job Summary:
We are looking for someone with:
positive energy, motivation, vision, and a desire for continuous learning
a strategic mind‑set and forward‑thinking
a belief that strong relationships are key to success
a can‑do attitude
a focus on providing solutions based on the requirements and necessary outcomes of those whom we serve
Key Responsibilities Sponsored Projects Award Modifications and Setup (15%)
Review all awards for terms and conditions, billing, payment information, and reporting requirements to perform the setup of the award.
Ensure award data in InfoEd is accurate and complete.
Track award files in the InfoEd system.
Enter award data in the PeopleSoft grants module.
Award Invoicing/Billing (10%)
Complete monthly and quarterly billing of contracts to create account receivables. Work with sponsors and departments for all invoicing concerns, questions, and actions.
Submit invoices to sponsors according to award/contract requirements.
Conduct the reconciliation of accounts receivable and open items to the general ledger in PeopleSoft while reviewing outstanding invoices.
Financial Reporting Creation & Submission (15%)
Prepare and submit financial reports.
Perform tasks necessary to determine if changes are needed to bring the project into compliance.
Determine if certain costs are allowed and that the project is within the authorized budget amount.
Review the Trial Balance financial statement to examine the cash balance to determine the necessary decision and action(s) required to clear the cash residual or deficit.
Financial Management of Awards/Projects (10%)
Monitor project budgets, indirect cost rates and charges, overspending, fiscal and sponsor compliance.
Properly monitor portfolio by analyzing the tools to ensure that information is provided. If tools are lacking, this should be communicated to leadership for improvement opportunities and changes.
Award Closeouts (15%)
Monitor projects throughout the life at least quarterly to ensure that revenues are applied correctly in PeopleSoft.
Ensure that budget and billing limits are accurate.
Monitor F&A and direct charges and quickly correct errors.
Properly close, retire, and inactivate the assigned project no later than 120 days after the budget end date.
Sponsored Projects Cost Transfers Review and Approval (20%)
Monitor the reallocation of expense approvals for compliance with various policies.
Analyze each current and new check distribution lines within payroll expense transfers to ensure the percent of effort equals 100% and aligns with the justification provided.
Examine Journal Entries to ensure the required documentation is provided which includes an explanation of the error that aligns with the actual transaction.
Sponsored Projects Subcontract Review and Approval (15%)
Investigate all sub‑award agreements for the budget period and analyze the language of the contract to determine if carry forward is allowed.
Ensure changes are not required for the partially executed contract. If an error is found, communicate information back to the contracts team for further review and changes.
Customer Service (ongoing)
Conduct regular meetings with departments and respond timely and professionally to emails and phone calls from sponsors, principal investigators, department administrators and other OGC units.
Principal Professional Key Responsibilities
In addition to the duties above, appointments at this level will serve as work leads over other Post Award Specialists and provide expert-level guidance and direction.
Work Location This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of a minimum of 2 days per week on campus and additional days on campus as needed for training, in‑person meetings or during peak times.
Why Join Us
Participate in professional development opportunities to grow your career.
Build relationships with other departmental staff, focused on understanding needs along with opportunities for improving processes.
Partner with other financial staff in developing key financial performance tools and share them with departmental stakeholders.
Become part of a department where inclusiveness and culture are valued.
If interested, you can earn a master's degree at a greatly reduced rate through our Employee Tuition Assistance Benefit program.
Why work for the University?
Medical: Multiple plan options
Dental: Multiple plan options
Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
Holiday Days: 10/year
Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Intermediate Level
A bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution. Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year‑for‑year basis.
At least one (1) year of professional grants, contracts, finance, expense/federal reporting or related experience.
Senior Level
A bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution. Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year‑for‑year basis.
At least two (2) years of professional grants, contracts, finance, expense/federal reporting or related experience.
Principal Level
A bachelor's degree in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution. Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
At least three (3) years of professional grants, contracts, finance, expense/federal reporting or related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in the administration of sponsored research or other central research‑related office in higher educational institution, government, or other entity engaged in sponsored research.
General accounting and/or financial experience.
Experience with process documentation and process improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Strong, interpersonal, teamwork and customer service skills.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel, Access, and Word).
Excellent time and workflow management skills.
Excellent problem‑solving skills.
How to Apply Screening of Applications Begins: January 19, 2026
Anticipated Pay Range
Intermediate Level: $52,312 - $66,541
Senior Level: $56,553 - $71,936
Principal Level: $65,036 - $82,726
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement CU Anschutz is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. The University of Colorado offers an inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Background Check Statement CU Anschutz conducts background investigations for all prospective employees to ensure a safe and secure environment.
Vaccination Statement CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against COVID‑19 and other vaccine‑preventable diseases. Employees required to work in healthcare facilities or perform certain safety‑sensitive duties must comply with the respective vaccination policies.
#J-18808-Ljbffr