About the Opportunity
JOB SUMMARY
The Compliance Specialist supports the functions of the central NU-RES Finance office within Northeastern University Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) by assisting with the oversight of financial operations and processes of the research portfolio. Under the supervision of the Senior Compliance Specialist, the Compliance Specialist is responsible for assisting with Effort Reporting functions, reviewing Payroll Distribution Change (PDC) forms, and monitoring other research compensation processes for the portfolio.
The Compliance Specialist acts as the authorized approver of PDCs in the K2 system and is responsible for verifying salary costs are timely, allocable, and properly justified for the work being performed on the projects. This position requires post-award knowledge of Uniform Guidance cost principles, federal salary caps, and effort reporting requirements. The specialist ensures that the effort and salary allocations follow applicable federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies. Other core duties include assisting with the University’s annual payroll certification process, summer salary reviews, organizing supporting documentation in SharePoint, preparing monthly metrics, and performing internal post-audit checks.
The Compliance Specialist is expected to use independent judgement and discretion in reviewing payroll expenses, working collaboratively with HR Payroll, Department / College administrators, Principal Investigators, and other NU-RES personnel. The specialist must be able to use VPN and work completely electronically to perform their role. They are expected to work in various electronic systems, be technologically savvy, and able to navigate through the financial system (Banner), proposal systems (COEUS, eCLAWS) and HR systems (Workday & K2).
This role must treat effective compliance as an equal priority, stay abreast of sponsor rules, regulations, and policy changes, as well as institutional best practices in research administration and finance. Participate in sponsored research initiatives and projects as assigned, as well as lead the adoption of best practices to promote continuous improvement making sure that the highest quality standards are met.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
JOB DUTIES
Payroll Distribution Change (PDC) Reviews (50%)
Annual Certification & Other Compensation Procedures (25%)
Metrics Reporting & Post-Audit Reviews (20%)
Audits and Special Projects (5%)
Position Type
Legal and Regulatory Administration