Research Administration Associate - Research and Sponsored Programs-Houston

TITLE

Research Administration Associate

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Administration Associate's primary responsibility is to provide post-award support to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Post-award activities include regular review, reconciliation, and projection of award finances, preparing adjustments and corrections to award budgets, and assistance with preparing financial reports. Coordinates with grants specialist to make adjustments to payroll for all grant funded budgeted and non-budgeted positions. This position will assist with monitoring grant expenditures and will produce grant expenditure reports. Facilitates the approval of invoices and proactively follow cleanup and closeout procedures on expired accounts according to institutional policy, federal guidelines, and good accounting practices. This position will provide support by costing grant funded positions in Oracle Cloud and updating the ORSP database accordingly; assists with payroll assignments, running payroll detail reports, assisting with award closeout, assisting with budget transfers, requisitions and check requests, and other duties as assigned. Work is performed under general supervision.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Director, Operations Research & Sponsored Programs

Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

* Assist with the monitoring of grant accounts for budget adherence to university, state, and funding agency guidelines and work with other university offices and ORSP to resolve grant issues (i.e., grant accounting, payroll, procurement, cost-share, etc.).

* Provides budget projections of project expenses to determine need for additional funds, potential overruns, and requests to sponsors. Makes recommendations for corrections or budget transfers when needed.

* Monitors grant activity timelines and assist faculty with grant requirements.

* Assists with timely closeout of awards.

* Work with staff to ensure all grant funded positions are costed (budgeted and non-budgeted positions) correctly in the University's HR/Payroll system Oracle Cloud.

* Keep abreast of payroll and other financial University deadlines.

* Run and analyze payroll detail reports and payroll audits in a timely manner to make sure salaries are being allocated correctly to each grant award.

* Process and enter ICP task payments as directed.

* Manage participant incentives: gift cards and petty cash requests.

* Run and analyze expenditure details reports for all external grant awards, on an as needed basis.

* Assist with budget transfers by confirming the amounts in each natural account and completing the Budget Transfer Request Form.

* Assist with purchase requisitions and check requests.

* Assist with grant closeouts: ending and/or terminating grant payroll assignments, running final expenditure reports.

* Assist with setting up students with NIH eRA Commons accounts.

* Works with the grant specialists to solve problems, answer questions, and give guidance on post-award activities and other grants management topics on a daily basis.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

* Identifies funding opportunities for faculty.

* Orders equipment and supplies, follow up on orders, and assists with travel when possible.

* Performs other duties as requested.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree required.

EXPERIENCE

2-3 years of related experience in research administration, grant management, office administration, or research required.

REQUIREMENT

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

* Ability to review budgets and monitor accounts using TWU fiscal reporting system Oracle Cloud Also requires a high level of proficiency with Excel and Word

* Ability to use computers and computer systems to run reports, enter data, and process information.

* Excellent written and oral communication skills.

* Ability to rapidly assimilate and retain University fiscal and academic policies, procedures, and practices.

* Ability to work professionally with staff on a day-to-day bases and faculty, as needed

* Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.

* Superior attention to detail, excellent organizational skills.

* Ability to work independently and with a team.

* Knowledge of federal rules and regulations/terms and conditions relating to research grant and/or contract activity.

* Knowledge of the Oracle Cloud System.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee may be required to travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment.

SAFETY

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Texas Woman's University strives to provide an educational environment that affirms the rights and dignity of each individual, fosters diversity, and encourages a respect for the differences among persons. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is considered inappropriate.

Texas Woman's University is committed to equal opportunity in employment and education and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, age, veteran's status, or against qualified disabled persons.

All positions at Texas Woman's University are deemed security sensitive requiring background checks.

If you are a male between the age of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. Under HB 558, enacted by the 76th Texas State Legislature, if you are currently of the age and gender requiring registration with Selective Service, but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for employment with an agency in any branch of Texas state government. For additional information regarding registration or status, you can contact the Selective Service System at 847-688-6888 or www.sss.gov.