Contract Financial Specialist

The Contract Financial Specialist will support business and financial management throughout the award life cycle (proposal, project implementation/post-award, and close-out to be referred to as “award lifecycle”). Awards are anticipated to be of varying size, scope, and complexity (e.g., $1 million for one year or $85 million for five years) and from different agencies or corporate sponsors (i.e., USAID, Department of State, Department of Defense, foundations, industry, etc.).  In coordination with PARI Finance leadership, this position will also provide customer support to technical groups on financial matters and maintain fiscal and administrative controls to ensure all funds are expended in accordance with PARI and sponsor policies and procedures. This position will provide support and guidance to PARI Operations Center staff for transactions related to the management of externally funded awards.

This position is 100% remote but can be hybrid if desired.

Responsibilities:

Support the Management of the Lifecycle of the award

• Support policy guidance and assistance with all aspects of proposal development, administrative forms, sponsor-required certifications and representations, financial reports, and proposals.
• Review required documentation for approvals in PARI administration and seek appropriate internal approvals when necessary.
• Maintain proper fiscal and administrative controls and ensure that all funds are expended in accordance with PARI and sponsor policy and procedures.
• Monitor budgets and expenditures and provide accurate projections of awards to ensure compliance.
• Review and approve foreign and domestic travel expense reports to determine that all University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations have been followed regarding trip approvals, airfare class, use of U.S. flag carriers, and foreign currency conversion.

Support the Operations of the Lab

• Provide customer support to technical teams within the Lab on all financial transaction activity.
• Provide guidance and support to technical teams within the Lab to align with PARI and sponsor policy and procedures.
• Assist PARI Operations Center staff in all transactional activity related to the Lab.

Required

• High School diploma/GED
• Four (4) years account clerk, bookkeeping, business office-related experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Must be a US citizen

Preferred

• A demonstrated knowledge of sponsor, PARI, and Purdue University regulations and basic proficiency in all technical and professional skills related to business office and contract grant management
• Government Contracting Experience
• Knowledge of Purdue University’s financial, HR, and ERA systems
• Knowledge of SAP, Cognos and Banner

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/summaries.php
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

About the Purdue Applied Research Institute:

At PARI we create leading-edge solutions for complex problems in national security, global development, and technology. Established in 2021 by The Trustees of Purdue University, the Purdue Applied Research Institute is the non-profit applied research arm of Purdue University. PARI co-creates solutions and builds on the deep research strengths of Purdue’s faculty, students, and staff to solve dynamic challenges for the United States Government, industry, and non-profits.

About Purdue University:

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked one of the top 10 Most Innovative Schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, With a $685+ million research enterprise, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery that drive discoveries and innovative solutions that have a critical impact on the nation and the world.