Post Award Financial Administrator

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Post Award Financial Administrator</span><br></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Title: Post Award Financial Administrator | Location: Remote or Onsite - Berkeley, CA | Salary Band: $90,000-$110,000 | Reports to: SPO Manager | Status: Full-Time |</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">ABOUT ICSI</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is an independent non-profit research institute in the heart of Berkeley, California. ICSI is a place where researchers solve hard problems and help change the world. We pioneer interdisciplinary research across all areas of computer science and data science to generate fundamental insights, address societal challenges, and catalyze entrepreneurial opportunity. </span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">We foster a uniquely flexible and collaborative intellectual environment.</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic">It’s about big ideas.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt"> ICSI is a place for taking on daunting challenges—not “playing it safe.” Our researchers pursue questions they feel are in the public interest and advance technologies that address important societal needs. This transformative work often spans disciplines, sectors, and borders.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic">It’s about solving problems</span><span style="font-size: 10pt">, not submitting papers. Unlike industry or academia, ICSI does not have strict expectations on research output. We may write traditional research papers, but we also release software, curate datasets, build research communities, and spin out startup companies. Our researchers leverage strong ties with UC Berkeley and the Silicon Valley ecosystem to bring great ideas to fruition in whatever way is best suited to the problem at hand.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic">It’s about inclusion.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt"> Visitors come from all over the world to pursue research at ICSI. We’ve hosted scientists and more than 620 postdocs from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Holland, Israel, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brazil, Canada, and more. We believe diverse perspectives create the best ideas.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic">It’s about equity and community.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt"> We are looking for equity-minded applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at ICSI, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that requires broad collaboration among staff, students and community partners.</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Build your skills while helping tell the story of cutting-edge research.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">The International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) is an independent nonprofit research institute affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley. Our researchers are advancing work in artificial intelligence, data science, networking, and computational science with global impact.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">POSITION OVERVIEW</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">We are seeking a Post Award Financial Administrator to provide post-award financial (and some non-financial) support through the application of grant and contract management regulations, technical expertise, and analytical skills. This position is responsible for the financial administration of sponsored awards throughout the award lifecycle, including account setup, financial monitoring and reconciliation, invoicing, sponsor financial reporting, budget adjustments, compliance oversight, and award closeout activities.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">The Post Award Financial Administrator ensures compliance with sponsor, Federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures, including the FAR, 2 CFR 200, and GAAP. This position works closely with researchers, principal investigators (PIs), sponsors, and internal administrative and accounting teams to provide high-quality customer service and support sponsored research activities. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt">The Post Award Financial Administrator reports directly to the Sponsored Projects Manager. </span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Responsibilities</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">The Post Award Financial Administrator is responsible for managing post-award activities for sponsored grants and contracts. Upon award acceptance, the incumbent will establish financial accounts and review award terms and conditions, including billing and reporting requirements, budgets, and award obligations.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Responsibilities include monitoring and reconciling sponsored award finances; preparing budget adjustments, cost transfers, and rebudget requests; providing financial projections to researchers; and ensuring expenditures comply with sponsor and institutional requirements. The incumbent will also oversee sponsor invoicing, financial reporting, accounts receivable coordination, and award closeout activities in accordance with required timelines and regulations.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">The position collaborates regularly with PIs, research staff, and the Accounting Team to resolve financial issues, process general ledger adjustments, support audits, and ensure accurate financial administration of sponsored awards. The incumbent will apply federal, sponsor, and institutional regulations related to effort allocation and effort certification for individuals compensated in whole or in part from sponsored funding.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Manage budget, reporting, and compliance timelines throughout the lifecycle of grants and contracts; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Prepare and submit sponsor financial reports and invoices in accordance with award requirements; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Coordinate with the Accounting Team to manage sponsor accounts receivable balances; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Assist PIs with technical and financial report submissions, as needed; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Coordinate and submit requests for no-cost extensions, carryover, rebudgeting, changes in scope, and other award modifications in compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Review and facilitate processing of subcontractor invoices; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Review effort reports and manage the annual effort certification process for assigned units; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Monitor financial transactions to ensure allowability and compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Maintain internal records for sponsored awards and provide metrics and reports to leadership; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Assist with institutional and sponsor audits; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Support subrecipient monitoring and administration; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Provide required financial data for annual and final progress reports; </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Maintain current knowledge of sponsored research compliance regulations and communicate updates to relevant stakeholders; and </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Serve as a liaison between the Sponsored Projects Office and the Accounting Team.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Cross-train on pre-award and compliance activities</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Skills</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively and collaboratively with researchers, sponsors, ICSI management and maintain a variety of internal and external contacts.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Ability to establish priorities and react promptly to a large variety of requests and needs, sometimes in stressful situations. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Ability to work effectively under pressures of various deadlines.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Strong written and verbal communication skills required.</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Education and Experience</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">A Bachelor's degree is required.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Certified Research Administrator (CRA) / Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) is preferred.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Five or more years of grant post-award experience is required.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Knowledge of Federal regulations governing federal grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements is required.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Experience with Federal science and defense agencies, including the National Science Foundation and DARPA is required. Experience with the National Security Agency, Department of Energy, and National Institutions of heath is preferred. </span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Experience with Cayuse suite is preferred but not required.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Pre-award experience or comparable cross-training experience with proposal support is preferred.</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Location: Downtown Berkeley, CA, right next to the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. Hybrid/remote work friendly. Fully remote work requiring semi-annual on-site visits will be considered.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Hours & Compensation</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Full-time, 40 hours per week. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Salary is commensurate with experience within the range of $90,000-$110,000 per year.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Benefits & Perks</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">At ICSI, we offer a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed benefits package to support your health, financial wellbeing, and day-to-day life, so you can focus on doing meaningful work.</span></p> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Health & Wellbeing</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">We make it easy to take care of yourself and your family:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including HSA-compatible plans</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Life and accident insurance</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Short- and long-term disability coverage</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Time Off & Flexibility</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">We believe rest is essential to doing great work:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and holidays</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Flexible scheduling and hybrid work options (role-dependent)</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">A supportive culture that encourages you to actually use your time off</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Financial Security & Planning</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">We invest in your future:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">401(k) retirement plan with a 3% automatic contribution plus up to 7% match</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Tax-deferred annuity plan options</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Pre-tax savings opportunities through FSAs</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold">Everyday Convenience & Perks</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Working at ICSI comes with added day-to-day benefits:</span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Commuter benefits to support your travel to and from Berkeley</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">Access to select UC Berkeley–affiliated perks and discounts</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 10pt">A collaborative, mission-driven environment in the heart of Downtown Berkeley</span></li> </ul> <p><br></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt">Please Note: ICSI requires employees working on-site to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including recommended boosters. Reasonable accommodations may be considered for medical or legally protected reasons. Our safety protocols include enhanced ventilation, masking during periods of elevated risk, and adherence to public health guidance. For more information please see </span><a href="https://www.icsi.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="font-size: 10pt">www.icsi.berkeley.edu </span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic">ICSI is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. The Institute is committed to having the best available persons in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.</span></p>

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