Job Description

The Financial Officer will serve as a member of the Media Lab finance team, responsible for the administration of sponsored research projects, consortium projects and programs, and non-sponsored funds for the Lab. The Financial Officer will work collaboratively with other finance staff members on pre- and post-award administration and contribute to the maintenance of internal documentation and communication systems.  

Responsibilities

• Manage a complex portfolio of research groups and initiatives, which include federal and foundation awards, consortium funding, internal MIT funding, and discretionary accounts, by providing reporting, analysis, and advice. 
• Review and interpret MIT and sponsor policies, and regularly track and monitor the financial performance of grants and contracts to ensure policy compliance and consistency with approved award budget(s). 
• Perform post-award transactions and activities including sponsor reporting, subaward management, award closeout, cost share allocations, personnel distributions, and other tasks as applicable. 
• Support PIs in the development of research proposal budgets and administrative content: review solicitations and notify researchers of proposal requirements and deadlines; prepare proposal budget(s) following PI instruction; confirm completion of all required proposal sections; and ensure timely submission via Kuali Coeus (KC) to MIT Research Administration Services (RAS) and the sponsor. 
• Provide sponsor- and award-specific training on financial and reporting requirements and grant management best practices to PIs and staff.  
• Perform needs analyses for upgrades and improvements to processes and procedures. Recommend and/or implement enhancements. 
• Lead special projects and perform other duties as assigned by management. This position will have the option of a flexible/hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of four years of experience in finance, research administration or related field
• Knowledge of financial and research administration in an academic or research environment with federal, corporate, and foundation sponsors
• Experience developing and monitoring multi-year budgets
• Strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail/accuracy  
• Good judgment and the ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality 
• Ability to communicate effectively and convey financial information to faculty and staff at all levels 
• Proactive, self-motivated, and flexible approach to daily tasks and effective prioritization of work  
• Enjoys working in and able to succeed as part of a collaborative team environment 
• Strong computer skills including ability to work effectively within shared drives (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox) and proficiency with spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel (e.g. can use and edit complex workbooks)   

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Project management skills including the ability to plan projects, coordinate team members, set timelines, and execute plans to meet team/DLC/Institute goals
• Experience developing and monitoring multi-year budgets
• General knowledge of and familiarity with standard federal regulations and major agency guidelines
• Experience using MIT financial systems such as Buy2Pay, BrioQuery, Concur, FRC, Kuali Coeus, and SAP/SAPgui

Please submit a cover letter with your application.

Pay range minimum: $82,000 - maximum: $105,100

To apply, go to https://hr.mit.edu/jobs and search for job ID # 25399