Associate Vice President Grant Accounting and Sponsored Programs

Number of Positions In Requisition 1 Job Details Provides operational leadership and oversight for the Sponsored Program Accounting (SPAO) function across Thomas Jefferson Health System. Responsible for the financial administration, accounting, reporting, billing, collections, and compliance activities associated with sponsored research, grants, and contracts funded by federal, state, foundation, industry, and other external sponsors. Leads the day-to-day management of the post-award financial operations and ensures compliance with Uniform Guidance, sponsor regulations, and institutional policies. Partners with Office of Research Support Services (ORSS), principal investigators, academic leadership, and finance leadership to support Thomas Jefferson's mission through effective stewardship of sponsored funding and sound financial management practices. Supports the Vice President of Corporate Finance in executing departmental objectives, maintaining financial compliance, and advancing operational excellence within SPAO Job Description Summary Provides operational leadership and oversight for the Sponsored Program Accounting (SPAO) function across Thomas Jefferson Health System. Responsible for the financial administration, accounting, reporting, billing, collections, and compliance activities associated with sponsored research, grants, and contracts funded by federal, state, foundation, industry, and other external sponsors. Leads the day-to-day management of the post-award financial operations and ensures compliance with Uniform Guidance, sponsor regulations, and institutional policies. Partners with Office of Research Support Services (ORSS), principal investigators, academic leadership, and finance leadership to support Thomas Jefferson's mission through effective stewardship of sponsored funding and sound financial management practices. Supports the Vice President of Corporate Finance in executing departmental objectives, maintaining financial compliance, and advancing operational excellence within SPAO Job Duties Direct and manage all Sponsored Programs Accounting operations, including post-award financial administration, accounting, reporting, invoicing, cash collections, effort reporting support, and award closeout activities. Lead the financial administration and oversight of grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, clinical trial support, and other externally sponsored programs to ensure accurate accounting and stewardship of sponsored funds. Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, federal regulations, sponsor terms and conditions, institutional policies, and applicable accounting standards. Oversee the preparation and submission of sponsor financial reports, invoices, federal draws, effort reporting support, cost share accounting, and final award closeout documentation. Manage the preparation, analysis, and supporting documentation for the University’s Facilities and Administrative (F&A) rate proposal and employee benefit rate calculations, and support negotiations with federal agencies. Establish, maintain, and monitor internal controls to safeguard sponsored funds, ensure financial integrity, and support compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements. Direct sponsored program financial audits in collaboration with General Accounting, sponsor reviews, and compliance examinations; coordinate audit responses and corrective action plans, as needed. Monitor sponsored program receivables, cash collections/unapplied cash, unbilled accounts, deficit balances, and other key operations metrics; develop and implement corrective actions to improve financial performance and compliance. Partner with ORSS, principal investigators, department administrators, academic leadership, and Finance personnel to resolve financial issues and improve sponsored programs processes and services. Serve as key advisor to ORSS leadership, department administrators, and principal investigators regarding post-award financial management, sponsor requirements, and regulatory compliance. Support the Vice President of Corporate Finance in implementing strategic initiatives, operational objectives, and process improvements related to sponsored programs accounting and research financial operations. Develop departmental goals, performance metrics, and operational plans aligned with the objectives of Corporate Finance and the organization’s mission. Provide financial analysis, operations recommendations, and compliance updates to senior leadership regarding sponsor funding, regulatory developments, financial risks, and process improvement opportunities. Lead, coach and develop SPAO staff; establish performance expectations, promote professional development, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer service. Partner with Financial Systems on implementations, optimization, and ongoing administration of sponsored programs' financial systems, reporting tools, and related technology solutions. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. 7 years to 10 years of progressive experience in accounting, audit, research finance, sponsored program accounting, grants administration, or related financial management functions. 7 years of leadership experience managing professional staff 7 years of healthcare/academic or research experience of healthcare/academic or research experience Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Proficiency in Workday ERP, and familiar with Artificial Intelligence. Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. Demonstrated mastery of GAAP concepts and the ability to apply complex accounting guidance to novel transactions and business models. Proven leadership capability to build and lead high-performing accounting teams, including talent development, succession planning, and change leadership.