Finance And Business Manager
The Department of Bioengineering is seeking a Finance and Business Manager to oversee the department's financial and business operations, including budgets, sponsored research portfolios, and compliance programs. This role requires advanced financial expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to develop and implement efficient, scalable processes that support both daily operations and long-term goals. The Finance and Business Manager manages the department's core accounting and finance staff, research administrators, and serves as the primary liaison to central administration, while providing strategic guidance to faculty and leadership. This position performs complex finance functions with programmatic impact on the institution and plays a key role in ensuring the department's financial stability, research continuity, and administrative effectiveness. The manager will work closely with the Executive Department Business Administrator, department chair, faculty, and staff to support a high-volume, research-intensive academic unit.
The ideal candidate is an experienced finance professional with strong research administration and post-award expertise. They work independently in a fast-paced environment, provide strategic financial guidance, and lead staff with clarity and accountability. Skilled in financial planning, compliance, and process improvement, they partner effectively with faculty and central offices to support the department's operational and research goals.
The position entails work on Rice University's campus, with the potential for some remote work / flexible work arrangements. Hiring range : $75,000 - $80,000. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum requirements :
- Bachelor's degree
- Three or more (3+) years of related finance experience, including independent financial analysis, budget development, and compliance oversight in a complex administrative or research setting.
Skills :
Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance monitoringFamiliarity with sponsored research administration or financial operations in an academic or nonprofit settingStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracyAbility to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environmentEffective interpersonal and professional communication skills to interact with faculty, staff, and central administrative unitsExperience interpreting and applying institutional policies, procedures, and external regulationsComfort with financial systems and reporting tools; proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Office applicationsPreferences :
Experience managing the post-award lifecycle of research administration, including award setup, budget monitoring, compliance oversight, financial reporting, and closeoutWorking knowledge of pre-award processes, including proposal budgeting and sponsor guidelines, to ensure alignment and continuity with pre-award teamsFamiliarity with federal, state, foundation, and industry sponsors (e.g., NIH, NSF, ARPA-H, DOD, CPRIT) and their post-award requirementsProficiency in preparing and reviewing complex financial reports, projections, and reconciliations across grant and departmental accountsExperience mentoring or training finance and research staff in best practices for post-award managementStrong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to navigate institutional financial systems (e.g., Oracle Cloud) and work effectively under tight deadlinesAdvanced Microsoft Excel and Word skills for financial analysis and documentationEssential Functions :
Manages day-to-day financial operations for the Department of Bioengineering, including complex reconciliations, transaction approvals, and oversight of departmental and sponsored fundsLeads the post-award administration of federal, foundation, and industry-sponsored research projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university policiesDevelops complex budgets, multi-year forecasts, and financial reports to support departmental planning and faculty decision-makingReviews and advises on high-level transactions, identifies variances, and recommends strategic or corrective actionsSupervises finance and research staff, providing training, guidance, and support to ensure consistent and accurate post-award managementServes as liaison to central administration (e.g., Research Administration, Finance, HR, OISS) and represents the department in resolving financial and administrative issuesEvaluates existing financial and administrative processes; recommends and implements improvements to increase efficiency and strengthen internal controlsParticipates in departmental strategic planning and leads or contributes to special projects and operational initiativesPerforms other duties as assigned