How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) is the home of the University of Michigan?s Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. MICHR is part of a national, collaborative consortium that is focused on bringing more health solutions to all people more quickly by advancing translational science. The field of translational science aims to build an evidence base of scientific and operational approaches that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of translational research across a range of diseases and conditions. MICHR has the unique charge of examining the translational research ecosystem at a systems level to determine where common pitfalls exist; developing novel solutions to these challenges; demonstrating their effectiveness; and disseminating improvements widely. MICHR is a dynamic organization that serves as a hub of innovation and experimentation to advance research in the science of translation and accelerate the realization of interventions that improve human health.
MICHR is seeking a financial specialist to join the Finance team at MICHR to support efforts in the areas of Sponsored programs research administration including budget preparation, financial reporting, Recharge billing, and special projects. Under general direction, this individual works independently to deliver work assignments in an accurate and timely manner.
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Responsibilities*
This position plays a critical role in supporting the financial operations of MICHR programs by managing a broad range of accounting and budgetary responsibilities. Key duties include preparing and analyzing monthly and quarterly financial reports, investigating and resolving discrepancies, maintaining current encumbrances, and ensuring accurate timely account reconciliations in alignment with sound accounting principles. The candidate will process various financial transactions such as journal entries, expense approvals, People Pay payments, and effort changes, while also responding to financial inquiries in a timely and effective manner. Additional responsibilities include developing and maintaining cost recovery models for recharge units, supporting grant year-end activities such as Financial Status Report (FSR) preparation and Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR) submissions, and generating ad hoc financial reports, as needed. The role also involves serving as a resource to program directors, providing guidance on financial procedures, NIH and UM policies, and travel and expense allowability. The successful candidate will collaborate with the finance team to improve productivity and resource efficiency, participate in cross-training and team support activities, and maintain high standards of accuracy, organization, and professionalism. Reporting to the Finance Manager, this position requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual capable of managing multiple priorities within a collaborative team environment.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor?s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and budgeting processes.
- Foundational understanding of accounting principles and financial processes.
- Extensive knowledge and experience using Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work with numeric data, manipulate graphical representations, and summarize key insights.
- Sound judgment, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills.
- Extremely detail-oriented with the ability to recognize and investigate financial data anomalies.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
- Willingness to learn and grow in a customer-focused financial environment.
- Motivated, dependable, and able to work under supervision while developing autonomy.
- Strong accounting background, especially in sponsored programs and federal compliance requirements.
- Proven ability to perform financial analyses, develop projections, and explain the financial story in simple words.
- Familiarity with Sponsored programs grants, UM financial systems and policies, as well as NIH guidelines, to ensure compliance.
Desired Qualifications*
A working knowledge of the UM systems including M-Pathways, M-Reports, Business Objects, eResearch, FINPROD, and the NIH Commons. Understanding of not-for-profit organization accounting. Ability in using querying tools such as Business Objects Data Warehouse, including identifying end-user requirements, designing queries, selecting appropriate data sources, and performing validation and troubleshooting. Familiarity with recharge billing process, procurement procedures, NIH grants, fund accounting, compliance protocols, and internal auditing. General understanding of NIH training grants, including appointments, stipend and tuition allocations.
Work Schedule
Day shift
Work Locations
North Campus Research Complex, Ann Arbor, MI
Note: this position is hybrid, with occasional travel to Ann Arbor, MI required.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Skills assessment will be required.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.