Grants Finance Analyst I

Responsibilities

• Maintain a portfolio of sponsored project accounts, performing monthly budgeting, projecting, and financial reconciliation.
• Set up new grant accounts and budgets, and modify existing awards to ensure PIs have necessary funding details.
• Review and set up subaward agreements and manage related grant accounts.
• Perform accurate and timely payroll accounting for grant-related personnel, including salary distributions and cost transfers.
• Serve as the initial point of review for grant-related invoices, expenditure payments, requisitions, and journal entries.
• Assist with University year-end close-out procedures to ensure compliance and prevent grant overruns.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) through monthly meetings to address financial portfolio status and action items.
• Maintain records in accordance with internal procedures, sponsor agreements, and University regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience, including pre- or post-award grant management.
• Knowledge of finance and accounting best practices and principles of sponsored project financial management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong analytical skills.
• Experience with grant management systems such as eRA Commons, InfoEd, or ASSIST.
• Ability to work independently in a deadline-driven, multi-tasking environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for interacting with faculty and central offices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct knowledge of specific sponsors and their unique requirements.
• Familiarity with Columbia University internal systems.

About the Company

The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) Office for Research facilitates high-caliber biomedical research at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), supporting faculty, students, and staff across basic, translational, and clinical research disciplines.