SENIOR BILLING & ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST, Research Finance & Property Management

Job Summary

The Senior Billing & Accounts Specialist is responsible for the complete invoicing and accounts receivable process for a diverse and complex portfolio of sponsored projects. This role ensures timely and accurate billing, active follow-up on accounts receivable, and full payment resolution in compliance with sponsor terms, federal and nonfederal regulations, and University policy. The position requires advanced interpretation of award documents, submission of invoices as specified by the sponsor, and continuous process improvement through workflow automation and leveraging SAP.

Major Duties

• Prepare, submit, and track sponsor invoices (cost reimbursable, milestone, and other award types) via agency portals.
• Research, analyze, and resolve issues such as short payments, overpayments, unapplied cash, and sponsor discrepancies.
• Actively monitor aging accounts and follow up on delinquencies until final resolution.
• Investigate complex payment issues, including partial payments, denied costs, sponsor offsets, and timing differences.
• Coordinate with sponsors, central offices, and internal stakeholders to ensure full and accurate cash recovery.
• Generate and analyze monthly unbilled and A/R reports, identifying risks, trends, and actionable insights for management.
• Review and recommend write-offs with complete justification and supporting documentation, presenting packages to Research Financial Operations management for approval.
• Review and interpret complex award and contract terms (federal, nonfederal, industry, and foundation) to ensure sponsor-compliant invoicing and reporting.
• Apply evolving federal and nonfederal regulations and assess their downstream billing and cash impact.
• Utilize SAP for invoice creation and posting, A/R subledger analysis, dunning and collections, cash application review, and portfolio-level reporting.
• Identify root causes of aged or problematic receivables and assist management in recommending standardized SOPs for billing and collections to enhance consistency and scalability.
• Provide excellent customer service to PIs, administrators, and central partners, proactively communicating status, issues, and resolutions.
• Contribute to training and the dissemination of policy updates.
• Partner with management on strategic and data-driven projects to advance departmental goals and operational efficiency.

Pay Range

Salary Grade 48: Minimum $61,200, Midpoint $82,700, Maximum $104,100. Note: Salary is based on related experience, expertise, available budget, and internal equity. New hires can expect an initial annual salary between $72,000 - $83,000.

Work Environment

Boston University supports a flexible work environment. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (up to three days per week remote) after a successful observation period.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in research administration, sponsored programs billing and accounts receivable, and financial reconciliation within a university or similar research environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in organization, time management, communication, and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate or higher Excel skills (lookups, pivots, complex formulas) for data acquisition, analysis, and reconciliation.
• A proactive, diplomatic self-starter who works independently and as part of a small, collegial team.
• Ability to prioritize routine tasks and ad hoc needs under multiple deadlines.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with SAP (billing, A/R, cash management, and reporting modules).
• Experience with sponsor e-billing portals.

Benefits and Other Information

Boston University offers a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and life insurance, and paid time off. Full-time employees are also eligible for tuition remission for themselves and their dependents.

The Department of Financial Affairs values diversity and is dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable team. We strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.

• Applicants should upload a resume, list of references (if available), and submit a cover letter addressed to 'Hiring Manager Senior Billing Account Specialist position'.
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. Please contact us to request accommodation(s).

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We encourage diversity in all its forms.