Grant and Contract Finance Administrator

Penn Information Systems & Computing

. Serve as liaison between the University and funding sponsors and as an intermediary between Business Administrators, Principal Investigators, and sponsors.

Posted 10/2/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $55,962 - $72,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in sponsored programs administration, including financial reporting, compliance with federal regulations, and effective communication with stakeholders. Proficient in managing multiple priorities and navigating complex university systems to ensure accurate financial management and reporting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sponsored Programs AdministrationFinancial ReportingCompliance With Uniform GuidanceCertified Research AdministratorUniversity Systems Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Financial Statement PreparationGeneral Ledger ReviewAward Modification MonitoringJournal Entry ReconciliationExpense Allowability Review

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsCustomer Service OrientationAttention To DetailAbility To Prioritize Tasks

Tools & Technologies

PennERABENData Warehouse

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeCertified Research Administrator

Industry Keywords

Post-Award AdministrationFederal PoliciesFinancial Closeout RequirementsMatrixed EnvironmentHigher Education

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as liaison between the University and funding sponsors and as an intermediary between Business Administrators, Principal Investigators, and sponsors.
Initiate sponsored programs reporting and closeout processes.
Prepare financial statements and billings using university and sponsor reporting systems according to sponsor terms and deadlines.
Review general ledger activity for compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) requirements and sponsor terms and conditions.
Review allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of expenses, spending limits, corrected costs, revenue, benefit and indirect cost expenses, special terms and conditions, payment management system activity, and billed and unbilled accounts receivable.
Review and monitor award modifications, including relinquishments, terminations, re-budgeting requests, carryover requests, no-cost extensions, and non-financial closeout requirements.
Provide guidance to the University community on sponsored programs administration issues.
Prepare, reconcile, and close journal entries when closing and disabling fund accounts.
Update and audit award fund account parameters for accuracy.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree and 3 years to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Certified Research Administrator preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of sponsored programs, post-award administration, and related federal policies, procedures, and regulations.
Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle varied work assignments, prioritize tasks, and demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and customer service orientation.
Knowledge of university systems including PennERA, BEN, and Data Warehouse preferred.
Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Must be flexible, show effective judgement and discretion in the handling of confidential financial matters.
Work effectively in a highly matrixed and decentralized environment with the ability to navigate ambiguity and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of belonging, respect, and collaboration in a constantly evolving academic and higher education environment.
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for dependent children at other institutions
Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans
Pre-tax or Roth retirement savings options
Investment options through TIAA and Vanguard
Substantial time away from work
Long-term care insurance for faculty, staff, and eligible family members
Wellness and work-life programs and resources
Professional and personal development resources
Access to University libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural and recreational activities
Free and discounted admission and memberships to Penn arts and cultural centers and museums
Discounts on transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular phone plans, movie tickets, and theme parks
Flexible work options, including non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees
Adoption assistance of up to two adoptions per household
Hybrid eligible work arrangement