Finance Manager/Finance Coordinator, CIRES

Finance Manager/Finance Coordinator, CIRES

Requisition Number: 71505

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: University Staff

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 05-May-2026

Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) is seeking applications for a Finance Manager/Finance Coordinator, with an emphasis on individuals experienced in research post-award administration. This role provides high-quality post-award support to CIRES Principal Investigators and research personnel. The position serves as a liaison to various university offices and external funding agencies to manage all financial aspects of sponsored and non-sponsored funding for the institute.

This position can be filled at either the Finance Coordinator or Finance Manager level, based on the selected candidate's experience.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

Who We Are

CIRES, at the University of Colorado Boulder, conducts research on the Earth system and human interactions with the environment. We partner with NOAA and our expertise spans various environmental science fields.

Our mission: To conduct innovative research that advances our understanding of the global, regional, and local environments and the human relationship with those environments, for the benefit of society.

Our vision: To be an international leader in environmental research, bridging science and societal benefit, fostering leaders, and promoting an inclusive culture.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Sponsored Projects Management: 25%

• Interpret and communicate award terms and conditions to PIs and project personnel.
• Prepare and submit award actions (e.g., no-cost extensions, budget revisions, funding requests) to the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) or funding agencies.
• Organize and conduct project kick-off meetings.
• Maintain regular communication with PIs regarding financial aspects of awards.
• Ensure proficiency in university financial systems for project setup.
• Implement award-specific terms, funding agency requirements, university policies, and state regulations.

Collaboration with PI/Supervisors and CIRES HR: 10%

• Facilitate new hires by providing accurate speedtypes and ensuring compliance.
• Enter monthly salary assignments and liaise with PIs for salary projections.
• Verify funding adequacy for salary allocations based on approved budgets and policies.
• Submit funding distributions through the appropriate university tools.

Reconciliation, Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Project Projections: 50%

• Review funding levels, balances, and project end dates; facilitate additional funding processes.
• Conduct expense reconciliations, ensuring accurate account coding and processing expense transfers.
• Encumber future expenses and generate projection reports for fund forecasting.
• Generate ad hoc reports for PIs, such as salary histories and what-if scenarios.
• Collaborate with PIs to prepare and submit award actions to OCG and funding agencies.

Procurement: 10%

• Determine and implement appropriate methods of payment using university procurement systems.
• Identify and gather necessary supplemental documentation for expenses.
• Review and approve monthly Procurement Card (PCARD) reports.
• Monitor PCARD transactions for compliance with university and sponsor regulations.

Other: 5%

• Provide backup support to other team members.
• Participate in campus initiatives and attend relevant training.

What You Should Know

• This position offers a hybrid work modality, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week of in-person work.
• More in-person work may be required during the training period.

What We Can Offer

The annual hiring ranges are:

• Finance Coordinator: $58,200-$72,800
• Finance Manager: $65,500-$81,900

Some relocation funds are available.

Benefits

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance; and an ECO Pass.

Be Statements

Be creative. Be talented. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Finance Coordinator:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• One year of experience in research administration, finance, accounting, or related experience.
• Equivalent education and experience may substitute.

Finance Manager:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Three years of experience in research administration, finance, accounting, or related experience.
• Equivalent education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

• Ability to exercise discretion and work independently.
• Ability to manage a high volume of work and a diverse research portfolio.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high standard of customer service.
• Ability to communicate award terms and conditions effectively.
• Ability to learn and navigate finance and university systems.
• Ability to research complex policies and determine appropriate actions.
• Ability to apply good judgment in evaluating expenditures.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and with the campus community.
• Ability to think creatively to improve efficiency and customer service while ensuring compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter detailing how your background aligns with the position requirements.

Professional references will be requested from finalists.

Please apply by May 5, 2026.

Application materials will not be accepted via email. Please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you may redact age-identifying information from submitted materials.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Finance-Manager-Finance-Coordinator-CIRES/71505

The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.