Grants and Finance Specialist

Grants and Finance Specialist 1446557

• Hourly pay: $50/hr
• Worksite: Leading university (Palo Alto, CA 94304 - Hybrid)
• W2 Employment, Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement Savings Program, PSL
• 40 hours/week, 2 Month Assignment

A leading university is seeking a Grants and Finance Specialist. The successful candidate will support and manage the full lifecycle of research funding by collaborating with faculty, developing budgets, ensuring compliance, and serving as a strategic resource to advance research initiatives within the Division of Primary Care and Population Health. The company offers a great work environment!

Grants and Finance Specialist Responsibilities:

• Manage pre-and post-award research portfolios, partnering with faculty to develop proposals, budgets, and justifications while ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines.
• Serve as a liaison between principal investigators, research administration offices, and other departments, ensuring smooth communication, accurate award setup, and fulfillment of cost-sharing requirements.
• Review and approve expenditures, monitor post-award spending and commitments, and ensure compliance with fund usage and government policies.
• Develop and implement strategies, processes, and reporting tools to support research program goals and enable effective project forecasting and decision-making.
• Participate in preparing and submitting administrative components of grant proposals, reviewing documents for completeness, formatting, and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Advise faculty and staff on institutional and sponsor policies, acting as a subject matter expert on research administration practices and procedures.
• Initiate and manage cost transfers, procurement requests, and equipment tracking, ensuring all actions align with policy and project needs.
• Maintain accurate records and data using research administration and financial systems for financial tracking and compliance reporting.
• Support faculty development by identifying process improvements and providing guidance that enhances research operations efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment, offering and seeking support where needed, while managing individual responsibilities independently.

Grants and Finance Specialist Qualifications:

• 3 years of related experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Strong understanding of research administration policies, including governmental regulations and sponsor guidelines.
• Solid accounting knowledge and experience with budgeting, cost analyses, and financial compliance.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, vendor requirements, and property management related to research projects.
• Willingness and ability to complete required training programs (e.g., compliance curriculum) within the first year.
• Proficiency with research administration and financial systems (e.g., electronic research administration platforms, financial management tools).
• Strong understanding of systems: Oracle Financials, Commitment Management System, iLab, Business Intelligence reporting module.

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