The Director of Financial Research for Pediatrics provides strategic oversight and financial management of the department’s research and academic operations. This role is responsible for planning and executing fiscal strategies that support both pre- and post-award activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis. The position oversees financial operations related to grants, contracts, clinical trials, general ledger accounts, gift and endowment funds, and research space utilization.

To provide oversight and financial management dedicated to the fiscal operational, resources for the maximum benefit of the research and academic mission of Department of Pediatrics (DOP). To work closely with the department and University leadership to plan strategic and tactical matters as they relate to pre- and post-award budget management, cost benefit analysis and forecasting needs of the department. To oversee the financial responsibility of UAB grants, contracts, clinical trials, GL accounts, gift accounts, endowment accounts, research space utilization, moves, and equipment. To provide oversight of all grant functions at the department level including budget development review and monitoring, review of pre-award submissions. To supervise the operations and development of the DOP finance department including the preparation of quarterly and annual account reconciliations.

In collaboration with department and University leadership, this role supports decision-making by aligning financial resources with institutional priorities. The Director also leads all departmental grant-related functions, including budget development, review, and monitoring of pre-award submissions. Additionally, the position supervises the operations and development of the finance team, ensuring accurate preparation of quarterly and annual account reconciliations and maintaining compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Oversee all UAB financial activity related to grants, contracts, state funds, unrestricted funds, gift accounts, endowments, and HSF transfer accounts for over 280 faculty and $42M in total research expenditures (FY23). Manage an annual NIH portfolio exceeding $25M in awards. Responsible for all aspects of financial reporting for research, administrative, and educational activities within the Department. Assist in managing Children’s of Alabama research funds, Chair package funds, chair package reinvestment funds, SOM workforce diversity funds, and miscellaneous retention funds totaling over $50M.

• Oversee NIH and all other pre-award submissions for approximately 75 PIs with over 230 annual submissions. Serve as liaison between divisions and GCA, IRB, IACUC, and MTA offices. Serve as Department Effort Officer.

• Oversee and supervise a team of financial staff to ensure accuracy of BA and Oracle reporting systems for the Department. Distribute income statements to divisions and faculty and meet with Division Directors to review financials. Review and process cost transfers, re-budget requests, subcontractor payments, and analyze annual and final progress reports, including justifications for no-cost extension requests.

• Oversee additional departmental operations, including space survey and planning, equipment inventory, RCM budget model, Oracle workflow management, and grant and contract administration. Provide training to faculty and staff on UAB financial policies and pre- and post-award processes.

• Perform financial analyses of grant accounts and actively participate in the development and allocation of IMPACT and Start-Up Fund accounts. Collaborate closely with the Department Chair and Executive Administrator on strategic and financial planning. Meet regularly to ensure alignment and efficiency across departmental functions and complete special projects as assigned.

Salary Range: $99,090 - $128,000

Bachelor's degree in a related field and seven (7) years of experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Experience:

• Experience in research finance, grant management, or academic medical center finance.

• Demonstrated experience with pre- and post-award grant processes, including budgeting and compliance.

• Experience managing complex financial portfolios, including multiple funding sources.

• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of research funding mechanisms, financial compliance, and regulatory requirements.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in financial systems and reporting tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

• Experience in an academic healthcare or higher education environment.

• Familiarity with UAB financial systems (e.g., Oracle, PeopleAdmin, or similar platforms).

• Knowledge of federal grant regulations (e.g., NIH, NSF) and Uniform Guidance.
  

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