Research Accounting Program Manager

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a premier American research university. As a Catholic institution, it uniquely blends faith with intellectual inquiry, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and serving the common good. Notre Dame offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who are all dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus and being a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, acclaimed academic programs, and a strong commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame is an ideal place to make a meaningful impact.

Our team in Research and Sponsored Programs Accounting directly impacts Notre Dame’s mission to be a force for good in the world by supporting our campus partners achieve their goals and properly stewarding their resources. As with all things at the University of Notre Dame, we are looking for the exceptional. Here, exceptional is seen in our teamwork, accountability, integrity, leadership in excellence and leadership in mission. 

What’s in it for you?

We recognize there are a lot of great organizations in the world where you can share your talents. What makes Notre Dame special? The people that work here often cite the great work culture, our distinctive mission, the opportunity to build a career, and our endless list of best-in-class benefits. You’ll work for a department that encourages independent work, giving you the empowerment to make decisions that are driven by the mission of the University. So what’s it really like to work here? You’ll have the opportunity to work on a dynamic team that aims to get better each day. You’ll be encouraged to try new things, think about creative solutions, ask really good questions, and make mistakes and learn from them. The Research Accounting Manager will play an integral role in ensuring financial compliance and processing efficiencies with respect to externally and internally sponsored activities and related funds. 

The Research Accounting Manager ensures comprehensive financial compliance, risk mitigation, and lifecycle management for the University’s externally and internally funded research programs.

The Research Accounting Manager will manage a portfolio of research awards and participate to varying degrees in (i) grant analysis and auditing; (ii) billing, cash collection and financial reporting; (iii) internal control documentation and testing; (iv) enterprise wide compliance programs, including costing analysis; and (v) policy development and dissemination. 

What’s next?

If what you’ve read so far sounds like a position you would thrive in; if the prospect of doing what you love for a University with a distinctive mission sounds like a place you want to call home – simply hit apply and tell us more!

Job duties: 

• Perform regular grant analysis, regulatory research, and targeted account audits based upon risk assessments of sponsored awards and cost-share commitments.
• Conduct in-depth research into complex compliance requirements, agency guidelines, and federal mandates.
• Partner closely with Notre Dame Research, faculty, and academic departments to evaluate unique transaction allowability, in reference to OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and award terms, and determine appropriate resolution.
• Perform required lifecycle management of grant funds, including complex sponsor billings, cash collection, financial-related postings, financial reporting, and closeout reconciliations in compliance with specific agency terms.
• Test internal controls specifically designed for compliance over externally funded research programs, protecting the University against noncompliance risks.
• Assist with enterprise-wide research compliance programs, including effort reporting /certification, sub-recipient monitoring, and costing analysis.
• Assist with required federal/state reporting and surveys.
• Proactively track and research shifts in the broader research landscape, federal agency mandates, and sponsor requirements to ensure University policies, procedures, and guidance documents related to research financial compliance are current, align with evolving federal regulations, and are accessible on web platforms.

• Education Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
• Experience: 1 to 2 years
• Degree Qualifications: BA or BS in Accounting, Business, Finance, or Research Administration. Advanced knowledge of grant accounting principles and auditing coursework is preferred.
• Skill Qualifications:  Ability to interpret, apply and remain current on federal regulations including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and agency-specific guidelines.  Specialized skillset to research and determine complex cost allowability under federal and private grant contracts.

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application. 

Pay range: Up to $75,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience

Please submit your application by August 19th.

This position is an on-site position.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.