Job Details

Department: Acctg Svcs Res & Spon Prog
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Target hiring range for this position will be between $63,079 to $73,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Director of Compliance, Accounting for Research and Sponsored Programs (ASRSP), the Compliance Analyst will perform day-to-day management of sponsored program compliance activities. This position provides expertise to facilitate and oversee audit and compliance activities for sponsored projects administered by ASRSP. This position also serves as a liaison with internal and external auditors. This role requires knowledge of overall grant administration, cost principles and the ability to interpret sponsors' and University policies and guidelines. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Specific Responsibilities:

Audit Support

• Assist with various audit activities for the annual Single Audit and other sponsored project audits.
• Retrieve data for and liaison with internal and external auditors.
• Prepare the Schedule of Expenditures on Federal Awards (SEFA) for the annual Single audit process using NUFinancials queries and existing Access databases.
• Assist with preparation of responses to audit findings, special reports, and requests for information.
• Monitor sub-recipient compliance in accordance with the Single Audit requirements.

General Compliance

• Serve as a liaison with ASRSP and other research administration to ensure consistency in interpretation of sponsor guidelines, research compliance and processes.
• Participate in identifying, developing, and maintaining institutional policies and procedures based on applicable federal, state, and local government regulations.
• Review sponsored project attributes that have direct impact on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) reporting.
• Review expenditures charged to unallowable and restricted account codes in accordance with the Uniform Guidance cost principles section and assist with monitoring overall compliance with sponsored project terms and conditions.

Reporting and Transactions

• Assist Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) with small business reports and provide necessary budget statements on bi-annual basis. Function as a liaison between PPS and ASRSP /OSR.
• Assist with the preparation data and submission of various reports related to grant and contract compliance. Examples include, the Consolidated Year-End Financial Report (CYEFR), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Grant Close Out Report and the Financial Conflict of Interests (FCOI) Reports Chicago Department of Public Health Compliance Report.
• Assist with various aspects of the Effort reporting.

Departmental Support

• Perform user acceptance testing for system and report upgrades.
• Prepare and monitor exception reports for proactive monitoring and identification of errors and issues of non-compliance (i.e. overdraft reports, misaligned data reports, burn rate reports etc.)
• Prepare and submit notification emails for closeouts, project anniversary expense review reminder emails, and other various exception reports.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree (preferably in accounting, finance, or general business administration; or appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1 year experience in financial administration of sponsored projects or compliance experience; acquired in a complex business, academic, or government work environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft computer programs/applications (including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook).

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrates sound judgment and is tactful and diplomatic.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively present information and respond to colleagues and others seeking guidance and/or clarification about issues related to organizational operations.
• Ability to develop proficiency with unfamiliar processes and systems through training as well as through own initiative.
• Data mining knowledge and aptitude.
• Works well in a high-volume and fast-paced environment.
• Positive and friendly attitude; able to work well independently and in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• M.B.A. preferably in accounting, finance, or general business administration.
• Three years related experience in sponsored projects administration or compliance field.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of the Uniform guidance as it relates to federal regulations for sponsored projects.
• Experience working in a higher education institution, preferably Northwestern University; knowledge about university business policies and procedures; knowledge and experience with systems including PeopleSoft Financials (NUFinancials), and Cognos.
• Proven ability to translate policy into procedures, training, and system requirements.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more .

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .