Senior Business & Grants Administrator, SAS - Business Operations- DRL Business Office

Senior Business & Grants Administrator

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023. Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play. The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The Research Business Administrator, in DRL Regional Business Office position provides an opportunity to contribute in multiple functional areas, including financial reporting, grants management, payroll, purchasing and procurement, and reconciliations. The Research Business Administrator will report directly to DRL - RBO Business Manager. This position is an integral member of SAS Finance within the School of Arts and Sciences. SAS Finance is committed to supporting the academic mission of the School and the University by adding value through our work, finding solutions to operational challenges, and helping to prepare the School for tomorrow. When you join our team at SAS, you become part of a team that prioritizes collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

Duties / Job Responsibilities

Perform post-award activities and processes, which includes monitoring and enforcing compliance with sponsored guidelines, review of all charges to sponsored projects, reconciliation of accounts, payroll reallocations, effort reporting, closeout assistance, and production of monthly financial reports for Principal Investigators, including fund projections etc. Meet with Principal Investigators to discuss and advise them on financial issues related to their research projects, and to ensure effective and compliant portfolio management. Directly responsible for reviewing, processing, and auditing financial transactions, including procurement and payment requests (Penn Marketplace), reimbursements (Concur), procard reallocations (JP Morgan PaymentNet), and journal entries (BEN Financials). Perform proposal development process, budget development and related pre-award issues for a diverse sponsored research portfolio. Assist with all aspects of proposal submission (PennERA and paper submissions) and provide necessary follow-up to confirm proper acceptance by sponsor. Work closely with DRL-RBO Manager in managing a broad range of critical financial responsibilities, including assisting with ad hoc financial reporting and reconciliation of operating, endowment, and gift funds. Coordinate with SAS HR, Principal Investigators, Program Directors, and RBO staff to manage, process, and ensure the timely completion of a wide range of payroll activities. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 2 to 3 years pre- and post- award experience strongly preferred. Experience with NIH, NSF and other federal granting agencies is preferred. Excellent critical thinking, analytical, verbal and written communication is required. Demonstrated history of addressing client issues concerns, resolving issues, and ensuring satisfaction. Familiarity with UPENN sponsored research, procurement, and payroll policies is a plus. Proficient in Excel

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$76,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annual Rate

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

University Benefits

The University of Pennsylvania offers a wide variety of benefits to help you and your family, including health, life, and flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, retirement plans, time away from work, long-term care insurance, wellness and work-life resources, professional and personal development, university resources, discounts and special services, flexible work hours, Penn Home Ownership Services, and adoption assistance.