Senior Director of Grants Administration and Compliance

Directs and oversees the University's grant administration and compliance operations, including post-award accounting, grant billing, financial reporting, reconciliations, cash management, audits, and regulatory compliance. Ensures sponsored program funds are managed in accordance with applicable federal regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), sponsor requirements, state rules, and University policies. Provides strategic leadership in strengthening financial controls, improving operational efficiencies, supporting principal investigators and departments, and safeguarding the University's research and sponsored program resources.

Grant Accounting, Financial Management, and Compliance

Directs and oversees all post-award financial administration activities for sponsored programs, including grant accounting, financial reporting, billing, accounts receivable management, cost accounting, effort reporting support, cash draws, and award closeout activities. Ensures the financial integrity of grant expenditures, revenues, receivables, deferred revenue, and fund balances through timely account monitoring and reconciliation processes. Develops and maintains internal controls and financial procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and University requirements. Reviews complex accounting transactions, cost transfers, journal entries, and financial adjustments related to sponsored awards.

Reconciliations, Billing, and Financial Reporting

Directs the preparation and review of grant billings, sponsor financial reports, invoicing activities, cash reimbursement requests, and accounts receivable collections. Oversees monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations of sponsored program accounts to ensure the accuracy of financial records and compliance with award terms and conditions. Monitors outstanding receivables and resolves billing discrepancies with sponsors and departments. Ensures timely submission of all financial reports required by sponsoring agencies.

Regulatory Compliance and Internal Controls

Develops, implements, and monitors policies, procedures, and control activities governing sponsored program administration. Ensures compliance with Uniform Guidance, federal agency regulations, applicable grant agreements, state requirements, and University policies. Conducts compliance reviews and risk assessments to identify areas requiring corrective action and process improvement. Serves as a primary resource for interpreting sponsor regulations and financial compliance requirements.

Audit Coordination and Financial Stewardship

Serves as the primary liaison for sponsored programs during external financial audits, federal compliance audits, and internal reviews. Coordinates responses to auditor requests and develops corrective action plans as needed. Works closely with the Controller's Office, Financial Reporting, Internal Audit, and external auditors to ensure the accuracy and completeness of grant-related financial reporting. Supports preparation of information required for the University's annual financial statement audit and Single Audit.

Training, Guidance, and Departmental Support

Develops and delivers training programs for faculty, principal investigators, grant administrators, and departmental personnel regarding grant accounting, budgeting, allowable costs, effort certification, sponsor financial requirements, and compliance obligations. Provides guidance and technical assistance to departments to promote sound financial management and stewardship of sponsored funds.

Strategic Leadership and Performance Management

Establishes performance measures and service standards for grants administration operations. Evaluates processes and implements improvements to enhance efficiency, customer service, compliance, and financial accountability. Maintains awareness of emerging regulations, accounting standards, and best practices affecting sponsored programs administration. Prepares financial analyses, metrics, and management reports for executive leadership to support strategic decision-making related to sponsored funding and institutional growth.

Other Duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in relevant area

Eight (8) years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications/Knowledge

Master's degree or CPA licensure preferred.

Extensive knowledge of federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).

Strong understanding of governmental and nonprofit accounting principles, grant accounting, and sponsored programs administration.

Extensive experience with grant billing, fund accounting, reconciliations, accounts receivable management, and financial compliance reporting.

Advanced experience coordinating Single Audits, external audits, and financial statement audit support.

Knowledge of Oracle Fusion, Workday, or similar ERP systems used in higher education grant administration.

Ability to analyze complex financial data and develop effective internal controls and process improvements.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills to work effectively with faculty, sponsors, auditors, and University leadership.

The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.