Research Fiscal Specialist | SOM | Neurology

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Neurology

Department Summary: The Department of Neurology has a talented, robust team of faculty and staff members spanning nine divisions including representatives from every neurology subspecialty in adult and child neurology, plus award-winning educators, clinical and translational neuroscientists and master clinicians.

As part of the Center for Inherited Myology Research, this Research Fiscal Specialist would provide fiscal transactional support to the program, including grant and financial management of the related muscular dystrophy consortiums. These consortiums oversee multiple sites and awards designed to develop therapies for the muscular dystrophies. The Fiscal Specialist will be responsible for providing direct pre and post award support for the Program. The Research Fiscal Specialist will also contribute to infrastructure, personnel, policy, and process development for the program.

This is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Budget Reconciliation & Expense Forecasting (45%)

• Allocate and track expenses to multiple budget indexes according to various regulations and contract terms. Prepare and provide reports as requested/needed.
• Track labor cost and effort reporting as requested/needed for all staff and faculty for all projects.
• Provide financial and administrative support including monthly reviews of: expenditures, projections, personnel allocations and cost share indexes. Ensure expenses allocated to project are allowable, reasonable and allocable. Compliance concerns should be brought to supervisor and primary investigators immediately
• Successfully complete training to maintain access to university systems required to complete tasks.

Procurement (40%)

• Enter requisitions and purchase orders in university procurement system adhering to all policies and regulations.
• Work with faculty and staff to understand procurement needs, and ensure purchases are in line with proper fiscal regulations.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure proper documentation is provided, i.e. quotes, invoices, etc.

Risk Management and Other Duties (15%)

• Demonstrate a commitment to risk assessment (considering cost, benefit and impact
  • Utilize identified internal control mechanisms
  • Practice routine verification of the accuracy of data
• Complete all required trainings and maintain necessary certifications.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business or related field or equivalent related experience
• 1 year prior experience in research or academic setting
• Possess or have the ability to acquire skills in the following areas: analyze financial transactions for trends and variances; create reports, tracking tools and professional documents; budget development; expense forecasting; financial reconciliation; ability to interpret and apply complex government regulations and contractual terms
• Pro-actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed
• Must be proficient in the use of computers with the ability to learn new systems and software applications with ease. Proficiency in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years prior experience in research or academic setting.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards.

Salary Range: $42,000 - $60,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: 34124N - Assoc Research Administrator 1

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Eric Hunsley
Contact Email: eric.hunsley@vcuhealth.org