Job Details

Asst Mgr, Research AR

Position Number: 6516922
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Asst Mgr, Research AR

Job Summary

The University of Utah is recognized as one of the nation's premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. Within this vibrant environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a vital role in ensuring that research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability.

We are expanding our financial post-award team significantly to support the University's growing research portfolio, and it is an exciting time to join us. The Assistant Manager for Research Accounts Receivable will directly contribute to this mission by leading the pursuit of accurate and timely reimbursement of research expenditures from sponsors. Working daily in the University's financial system of record (PeopleSoft), as well as sponsor financial platforms such as PMS, ACM$, ASAP and G5, this role requires a strong accounting background, critical thinking skills, and a commitment to process improvement and customer service.

Under minimal supervision, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling accounting and finance functions related to sponsored research accounts receivable. This includes internal and external customer service, staff supervision, and financial operations related to invoicing, collections, reconciliations, credits and reporting. The Assistant Manager serves as a catalyst between RMC and its campus partners, sponsors, and staff to ensure continuity, quality and timeliness of financial services and sponsor reimbursements.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong customer-service mindset, be a proactive problem solver, and bring experience leading teams in a dynamic, compliance-driven environment where accuracy and timeliness are critical. This position is supervisory and will oversee a team of analysts. The role will also be responsible for developing, tracking, and reporting new key performance indicators (KPIs) for research accounts receivable at both the team and institutional levels. Candidates with prior experience in research administration-particularly in the billing and receivables space-are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer:This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

Oversees and manages accounts receivable processes for sponsored research, ensuring timely billing, cash management and sponsor payment application, and reconciliation in PeopleSoft in accordance with University policy, GAAP and sponsor requirements.
Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures that promote accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in research receivables.
Leads, mentors, and evaluates assigned staff; fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
Partners with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex financial issues, ensuring excellent customer service and institutional risk management.
Analyzes financial data and receivables trends, prepares reports, and recommends improvements to processes, controls, and systems.
Identifies opportunities for process improvement and technology enhancements; participates in or leads initiatives to streamline workflows and improve sponsor reimbursement timelines.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University regulations and guidelines related to sponsored research accounts receivable.
Represents Research Management & Compliance on University-wide committees and working groups related to post-award financial operations.
Promotes RMC's mission and vision by fostering cooperative relationships and strengthening the University's reputation for research excellence.

Problem SolvingThis position requires the ability to analyze complex and often ambiguous issues that arise in the administration of sponsored research accounts receivable. Unlike standard receivables operations, research billing must account for varied sponsor terms and conditions, federal and state regulations, Uniform Guidance requirements, cost allowability considerations, and the reconciliation of expenditures across multiple funding sources.

The Assistant Manager must exercise sound judgment in applying institutional policy, sponsor requirements, and accounting principles to novel situations, frequently developing solutions where no standard template exists. The role requires balancing compliance with responsiveness to faculty, administrators, and sponsors, and often involves anticipating downstream impacts of financial decisions on institutional cash flow, audits, and reporting.

Problems are escalated to senior leadership only when they involve changes to institutional policy, significant financial risk, or issues outside established federal or sponsor guidelines.
Comments: Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically requiredNearly Continuously: Office environment.Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be requiredNearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department's area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Master's degree in a related area may be preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Experience working with PeopleSoft or a comparable ERP financial system
Prior experience in financial research administration, particularly in billing, accounts receivable, and sponsor reimbursement
Demonstrated skill in data analytics and financial reporting, with experience developing and monitoring KPIs
Supervisory or team-lead experience, with demonstrated ability to coach and develop staff
Strong customer-service orientation, with proven ability to collaborate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups
Proactive problem-solving skills, with a record of improving processes and implementing solutions in a complex organization
Master's degree in a related area

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42958B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00
Department: 00359 - Grants & Contracts Accounting
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $88,348
Close Date: 11/25/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/187958