Grants & Contracts Associate- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois

Job Description:

Grants & Contracts Associate- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology


The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign's Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology is accepting applications for two (2) positions for Grants & Contracts Associate to provide support for exciting interdisciplinary post-award grants. The candidates will gain exposure to several federal and private foundation grants, interact with diverse faculty, and work closely as part of a highly collaborative grants management office team.



Job Summary

The Grants and Contracts Associate position will provide support for sponsored research post-award activities at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology Business Office. This position will work with stakeholders on budgeting, financial accounting, and reporting on sponsored programs under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, Budget and Resource Planning, SRA.



Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for reviewing and approving employee appointments and raises on sponsored research projects. Ensuring there is enough funding to cover the appointments and raises.
• Completes ad hoc and customized financial reports for PIs, UIUC SPA, and external funding agencies.
• Prepares or assists in preparing reports for IGB staff, SPA Post-Award, and external agencies as requested by the departmental supervisor.
• Responsible for reviewing subcontract invoices, verifying information, ensuring funds are available, obtaining PI approval, and then processing invoice vouchers for payment. Maintains subcontract payment records and monitors subcontract billing status.
• Responsible for reviewing and reconciling grant statements monthly to verify information and ensure that expenditures are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and accurate and that funding is available. Responsible for monitoring expenditures for compliance with sponsor, federal, state, and university regulations. Responsible for preparing monthly grant financial statements for distribution to Principal Investigators from a shadow system.
• Responsible for reviewing and approving iBuy, Chrome River P- and T-Card, and inter-departmental transactions. Provides an interpretation of applicable compliance policies as necessary.
• Serves as a liaison to Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) Award Management. Requests and monitors anticipation accounts, subcontract agreements, no-cost extensions, and other contract modifications as necessary. Assists with grant account setup, management, budgeting, billing, and close-out activities, as necessary. Ensures that completed projects are closed promptly and under the terms of the award.
• Responsible for preparing complex federal grant continuation reports and budgets, coordinating the submission process, and ensuring compliance with FCOI requirements.
• Monitors grant budgets by originating and/or verifying adjustments and transfers. Resolves account coding and rogue CFOPAL issues with submitting units. Processes correcting journal vouchers when needed.
• Responsible for reviewing semi-annual certification reports from SPA Post-Award and preparing detailed expenditure reports for faculty review.
• Attends training sessions to increase knowledge and/or skills related to assigned duties. Maintain knowledge of sponsor rules and regulations for grant expenditures, allowable/unallowable costs, rebudgeting, carryforward, etc. Maintain knowledge of SPA guidelines for all post-award activities. Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Physical Demands



Work Environment: Works in a team environment with other business office staff with general supervision from the Assistant Director of Budget and Resource Planning, SRA. The position requires tactful and courteous interactions with external sponsors, external universities, researchers, students, staff, visitors, and other campus units. The work performed by this position affects other functions of the IGB Business Office, researchers, staff, students, and other campus units.



Minimum Qualifications



1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position


2. Additional knowledge, education, training and/or sponsored project experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position may be required:



Preferred Qualifications



Illinois CRA certification or current enrollment in the SPaRC Ed program. Experience with Microsoft Excel. Demonstrated professional work experience in business, accounting/finance, or a related field. One year of experience in pre and/or post-award sponsored research administration. Demonstrated experience with the BANNER financial system.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal, state, and funding agencies policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and codes applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
• Ability to apply extensive knowledge of bookkeeping practices and procedures.
• Ability to apply a thorough knowledge of accounting techniques.
• Ability to compile complex financial records and prepare routine financial reports or statements.
• Ability to operate electronic and or other standard office equipment.
• Ability to work with databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic communication programs.
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment.
• Close cooperation and coordination with the supervisor.
• Able to communicate effectively with others
• Ability and willingness to be a team worker and perform functions in a professional manner.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a constantly changing, fast-paced working environment.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new information and application systems and utilize this new knowledge on an ongoing basis.
• Ability to take initiative; willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges; exercise independent judgment and discretion.

Appointment Information


This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5040 - Grants and Contracts Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The starting salary is $50,000 and is commensurate with experience.



We are unable to sponsor an employment VISA or take over sponsorship for an employment VISA for this position now and in the future. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States with no VISA sponsorship.



For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .



Application Procedures & Deadline Information


Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 8, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact IGB HR office at hr@igb.illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .


Requisition ID: 1024163
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


Apply Now