Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The Sponsored Programs Accounting and Compliance Office (SPAC) is the designated post-award administration office for the University of Maryland College Park. SPAC facilitates cost analysis, reporting, billing and collection of funds for all federal, state and private sponsored agreements. SPAC handles sponsored related audits and offers guidance to the research community on financial compliance matters relating to sponsored agreements on behalf of the University.
The office works closely with the Office of Research Administration (ORA) and other campus units coordinating financial and compliance information from proposal submission through closeout of the award. SPAC provides oversight of the administration and management of sponsored award activity to ensure compliance with current or revised University and governmental regulations and procedures and provides ongoing training on post-award subjects.
Job Summary:
Sponsored Programs Accounting and Compliance (SPAC) is the designated central post-award under the Vice President for Research. The Associate Director directly oversees post-award contract and grant fiscal administration for more than $800 million in sponsored research expenditures and corresponding reimbursements. This includes supervisory responsibility for the sponsored programs accounting staff, billing operations, sponsor engagement, and campus outreach. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President, the Associate Director provides leadership and training to campus stakeholders in interpreting and applying of federal, state, and other regulations to all UMD sponsored research activities to ensure compliance with billing sponsors.
This position directs accounting and compliance staff performing specialized or general accounting, statistical, or finance‑oriented functions. This position is responsible for the management of professional and support staff. Provides guidance on high risk and complex financial compliance issues. Partners with subject-matter experts for the development and delivery of training and new internal control systems. Analyzes and determines compliance and cost oversight associated with contracts and grants awarded. Manages a team of professional and support staff. Other duties as assigned.
Preferences:
Education
Master’s degree
Experience
Budgeting, auditing, assessment of internal controls or research administration.
Technical and management experience analyzing, evaluating, and improving automated financial systems in a high volume environment characterized by complex and multiple transaction streams, basic internal control associated with the billing and accounts receivable management.
Experience in sponsored projects accounting or post-award accounting in higher education
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Demonstrated leadership in the development and implementation of complex, integrated financial
systems, and cross-functional efforts to improve financial, administrative processes.
-Ability to represent the university at national conferences, meetings with sponsors and auditors.
-Skilled in training, recruitment, and professional development of staff.
-Strong written and oral communication skills. Demonstrates a strong client/customer service
philosophy.
-Knowledge and understanding of a university environment
-Working knowledge of Workday Financials
-Knowledge of 2 CFR 200
Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.
Licenses/ Certifications:
N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Eight (8) years of professional finance, accounting, or accounting compliance experience. Three (3) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and internal control practices.
Knowledge of accounting compliance strategies.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date: October 3, 2025
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
VPR-Sponsored Programs Accounting and Compliance
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$141300-$169560
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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