Grant Accountant Manager

Job Summary

The Campus Controller's Office at CU Boulder welcomes applications for the Grant Accountant Manager position! The University of Colorado Boulder is a Tier One, nationally competitive research university with a $2.00B annual operating budget. The University is focused on cultivating its instruction and research, increasing its innovative impact at the national and international level through collaboration, transformation, and leadership.

The Campus Controller's Office (CCO) provides critical support to the mission by ensuring fiscal responsibility, accurate financial reporting, and compliance with laws, regulations, policies/procedures, and contract requirements. Research Financial Services (RFS) within the CCO ensures proper management and financial oversight for sponsored projects.

The Grant Accountant Manager reports directly to the Assistant Director for Research Financial Services (AD) and is responsible for managing a team of Grant Accountants who provide support to campus partners to administer and manage extramural research grants and contracts.

Who We Are

The Campus Controller's Office maintains and supports the university's fiscal responsibility through accurate financial accounting and reporting and in compliance with laws, regulations, policies/procedures and contract requirements for sponsored projects. We provide oversight, assistance and training in financial stewardship for the campus.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Manage Sponsored Projects Administration

• Oversee and review the work of grant accounting staff performing analysis of approved budgets and award/contract documents.
• Manage staff communications with campus partners regarding grant/contract financial restrictions.
• Provide guidance on the interpretation and analysis of university accounting data for compliance.
• Oversee the review and approval of requests for administrative and/or processing changes.
• Ensure appropriate controls, processes, and staff accountability are in place.
• Direct staff in managing all applicable financial, post-award, and closeout deliverables.
• Oversee and review the preparation and submission of required interim and final financial reports and invoices.
• Approve the preparation and submission of Federal Letter of Credit draw requests.
• Direct the award closeout activities.
• Review and manage the preparation and submission of final post-award closeout reports.
• Provide strategic guidance to the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) teams.
• Assist with site visits, Federal and Non-Federal system audits.

Supervision and Training

• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing diversity and lead efforts to foster an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Recruit well-qualified professional staff.
• Direct and manage unit operations, including establishing priorities and allocating resources.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff performance.
• Establish and reinforce a positive, cooperative, and customer-focused work culture.
• Develop staff capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and structured development plans.
• Oversee and advance career pathing and professional development initiatives.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training and guidance on sponsored programs policies and procedures.
• Lead team through process improvements and system/technology changes.
• Oversee and contribute to the development of training materials.
• Represent CCO/RFS in University, regional, and national forums.
• Identify and support professional development opportunities for staff and self.
• Ensure continuity of operations.

Relationship and Knowledge Management

• Maintain an extensive working knowledge of University, State, Federal, and funding agency policies and procedures (UG, FAR, CAS, GAAP).
• Develop a strong rapport with funding agency personnel, campus partners, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues within CU, other Higher Education Institutions, and state entities.
• Facilitate conversations within RFS and the research admin community at UCB.

Special Projects

• Advise, support, and advance the implementation of process improvement and operational initiatives.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through analysis of team operations.
• Develop and maintain tools, reports, and workflows.
• Actively support and contribute to system implementations and enhancements.
• Represent the Controller's Office in campus-wide committees and working groups.
• Prepare analyses, reports, or presentations to support leadership priorities.

What You Should Know

Hybrid work modality offered.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $86,100 - $93,000 annually.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance; and an ECO Pass for local transit.

What We Require

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Accounting, Finance or related field. Professional accounting or research administration experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Three (3) years demonstrated experience with accounting and/or, research administration experience including lead or supervisory work.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, university and state accounting and fiscal rules.
• Demonstrated knowledge of post-award research grant and contract administration and accounting.
• Ability to direct, assign and supervise professional staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability as a problem solver.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated public presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit a current resume and a cover letter detailing how your background aligns with the requirements. Please apply by July 22, 2026. Application materials will not be accepted via email. Apply through CU Boulder Jobs.