Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs Accounting

Job Requisition:

JR101675 Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs Accounting (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs Accounting

Department:

CC00462 VIMS1 | DEAN | Office Of Sponsored Programs

Job Family:

Staff - Accounting

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Watermen's Hall

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester

Job Description Summary:

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with researchers across the institution to support the successful acquisition and management of external awards. OSP facilitates all aspects of proposal submission and provides expertise in both pre-award and post-award administration in support of the institution’s research, education, and advisory service missions. The Batten School & VIMS Office of Sponsored Programs manages all pre-award and post-award activities associated with externally funded projects and serves as a steward of the Institute’s research enterprise.
The Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs Accounting reports directly to the Director of Sponsored Programs and is responsible for supervising and managing the day-to-day operations of the financial management team supporting sponsored project award establishment, accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and closeout activities.
This position provides guidance, expertise, policy interpretation, and implementation support to the financial management team as well as institute sections and centers regarding financial research administration for externally sponsored funding. The role ensures efficient workflow management, compliance with institutional, sponsor, federal, and state regulations, and continuous improvement of financial sponsored programs procedures and processes.
The position also serves as an institutional authorizing official with delegated authority to approve and sign financial reports, invoices, and other legal financial documents related to sponsored awards administration.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and research administrator certification.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in sponsored programs or research administration.
• Experience using automated accounting or financial systems.
• Experience leading and supervising staff teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and sponsor regulations related to grants and contracts, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Ability to interpret complex regulations, policies, and financial guidance documents.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Advanced proficiency with accounting and financial management systems.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, project management, and financial management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines concurrently.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Research Administration, or a closely related field.

Preferred Experience and Competencies

• Experience in auditing, compliance review, or internal controls related to sponsored programs or financial management.
• Familiarity with external audit preparation and responding to audit findings.
• Experience managing accounts receivable and collections.
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare reports.

Duties & Responsibilities

Post-Award Activity Management – 40%

Provides leadership and oversight for post-award administration activities including award setup, budget loads, account creation, file management, expense monitoring, cost transfers, subaward invoice review, expenditure certification approvals, invoicing, drawdowns, collections, and award closeout activities. Oversees compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements and administers a limited portfolio of sponsored awards as needed.

Post-Award Financial Analysis Oversight – 30%

Manages month-end and fiscal year-end closing processes for grants and accounts receivable. Oversees annual audit activities related to grants and sponsored funds. Manages financial reporting activities and serves as a point of contact for financial data requests and reporting needs. Monitors sponsored program cash status and oversees establishment of sponsored project accounts to ensure data integrity.

Operational Leadership & Sponsored Programs Management – 25%

Maintains and updates standard operating procedures for post-award functions and ensures alignment with institutional policy and Uniform Guidance requirements. Oversees effort reporting processes and procedures. Presents professional development workshops related to post-award administration and serves as a liaison between VIMS, external sponsors, and internal stakeholders.

Supervision & Performance Management – 5%

Supervises three Sponsored Programs Accountants and ensures effective onboarding, mentoring, training, performance management, compliance, and staff development. Promotes a safe and collaborative work environment and ensures performance evaluations and documentation are completed timely and accurately.

Hiring Range: $95,000 - $110,000

Conditions of Employment

• Position may require additional hours beyond the standard work schedule to meet operational needs.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• This position is restricted based on the availability of continued funding.

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0599 - Accounting Manager - Exempt - Salary - S15

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S15

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-05-28

Position Restrictions:

Restricted Funds

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Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check. 

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.