Finance Manager, Sponsored Program Administration

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Finance Manager, Sponsored Program Administration at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) Finance Manager provides leadership and oversight for sponsored program financial staff responsible for preparing and reviewing financial reports in accordance with sponsor requirements and reporting guidelines. This position ensures expenditures, financial transactions, and post-award administrative activities comply with university policies and procedures, external sponsor regulations, and Federal Uniform Guidance requirements. The Sponsored Program Finance Manager reports to the Associate Director, Post Award Services.

Essential Functions

Oversee the assignment and completion of external interim and final financial reports to ensure all sponsor deadlines are met, compliance requirements are maintained, and institutional funding is protected. Monitor workload distribution and reassign reporting responsibilities as necessary to support operational efficiency and timely submission.

Ensure the timely preparation, review, and submission of accurate interim and final financial reports to external sponsoring and granting agencies in accordance with sponsor requirements and reporting deadlines.

Ensure financial report workpapers are reviewed for compliance with applicable accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures.

Provide subject matter expertise and consultative guidance to Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) staff and the University community on internal and external grant financial policies, compliance requirements, and complex issues related to the administration of sponsored programs.

Perform personnel management responsibilities, including direct supervision of staff, recruitment and hiring activities, performance management, professional development, and recommendations related to promotions and other employment actions.

Assist in the maintenance and continuous improvement of financial reporting policies, procedures, manuals, and operational checklists to support compliance and consistency in reporting practices.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:     Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or related professional certification preferred.

Experience:     Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).

Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably within higher education, healthcare, research administration, or sponsored programs.

Demonstrated experience managing post-award financial administration for federally and non-federally sponsored projects.

Strong knowledge of grant accounting principles, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and sponsor compliance requirements.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge and experience with the principles and practice of government accounting, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Planning/Organization skills: Prioritize and plan the completion of the reporting tasks; adapt to frequent changes to policies; Adjust schedule to deal with unexpected events.

Analytical Skills: Analyze accounting and financial data; detect accounting errors; determine compliance with university and sponsor policies.                                                                                                   

Team Building: Develop teamwork with staff; train the staff members to properly perform their tasks; encourage staff to perform their best.

Communication Skills: Communicate well with SPA staff and the University community; provide strong customer service, especially regarding changes to policies; ability to write and orally correspond with others.

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; skilled and experience in the Banner system; ability to data enter various computer systems which require submission of financial reports and data.

Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to make quick decisions to timely resolve urgent reporting matters; identify and solve complex accounting problems; develop solutions to various changes to grant and contract administration.

School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0912 - Sponsored Program Administration

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Annual Salary:  TBD

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.