Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants : All interested applicants must attach a cover letter and a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application in a PDF format . Please note that the applicant tracking system does not convert attachments in Word format successfully.

Position Summary

The Rice Biotech Launch Pad is seeking a Finance Specialist III who will be involved in post-award grant administration. The Rice Biotech Launch Pad is a startup accelerator in the Office of Innovation whose mission is to accelerate the translation of Rice University discoveries and technologies into clinical practice to provide rapid patient access to leading-edge therapeutic products. Under the Launch Pad Director and alongside the Research Administrator and Program Administrator, this position will provide analytical and budgetary support for complex, multi-departmental and/or multi-institutional research projects. The candidate will perform complex finance functions and activities, developing spending projections and responding to regular and ad-hoc reporting requests. They will act as liaisons between the principal investigator, central administration, departments, and the funder. They will be responsible for the regular oversight and management of complex awards, from set up to close out, and application of internal policies and systems and external regulations.

Ideal Candidate Statement

Ideal candidates will have exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills that are complemented by a positive, problem-solver mindset, and an eagerness to learn and apply new skills to succeed in the role.

Workplace Requirements

This position is a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. A minimum of 40% on-campus presence is expected. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Proposed Hiring Range

Annual exempt staff with a proposed salary range between $80,000-$82,000/year.

This position is partially funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• Three years of related experience in research administration or highly responsible administrative and/or accounting experience working with federal, foundation, and private sponsors.
  
  
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education and/or experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
  
  

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning and financial systems
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Advanced professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and management.
• Strong project management skills and ability to contribute to or lead part of a multi-functional team.
• Ability to set priorities and meet strict deadlines.

Preferences:

• Experience in research, fund, or cost accounting in an academic environment
• Experience with corporate or higher education management grants/contracts with federal/state agencies
• Experience with oracle business systems for post award management
  
  
  • Skilled in financial accounting and the management of multiple accounts (e.g. managing fiscal records, creating and monitoring budgets, resolution of fiscal issues, and generating fiscal reports)
  • Strong familiarity with organizational and management tools such as Trello, Box, Zoom, Slack, e-mail, Google Office Suite, or other collaborative tools.
  • Ability to generate and analyze spreadsheets and graphic presentations of data.
  • Ability to clearly communicate finances to faculty, staff, and project personnel.
  • Must have close attention to detail and ability to work independently and in a team.
  • Must be able to work under pressure to meet specific deadlines.
  • Ability to research problems both logically and efficiently, with accuracy and thoroughness.
  
  

Essential Functions:

• Performs highly analytical, complex finance and control functions; multi-dimensional and complex reconciliations and related analysis; prepares, reviews, and approves complex transactions and higher-level dollar value transactions.
• Develops complex budget and forecasting scenarios, long-range planning and analyses for financial reporting and presentations; designs and runs ad hoc reports.
• Recommends and develops solutions that may require policy changes or the development of new processes; maintains broader organizational and university perspective in decision-making.
• Manages compliance program for area of responsibility.
• Leads and executes unit or cross functional projects and teams, makes decisions regarding projects and programs affecting operational effectiveness, policies, or processes.
• Engages in continuous critical analysis of existing systems and processes; makes recommendations to achieve greater efficiencies and improve internal controls.
• Defines requirements, develops and implements complex test cases, performs testing and analyzes results.
• Leads and supports unit and organization strategy and changes management initiatives.
• Represents organization to client groups and external partners; serves as subject matter expert on matters that involve complex technical, financial, or subject matter expertise.
• Assesses client and business needs and formulates recommendations to determine approaches to managing and completing processes.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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