Compliance Analyst; Hybrid

Job : 53132
Location: Evanston, Illinois

Under the supervision of the Director of Compliance, Accounting for Research and Sponsored Programs (ASRSP), the Compliance Analyst will perform day-to-day management of sponsored program compliance activities. This position provides expertise to facilitate and oversee audit and compliance activities for sponsored projects administered by ASRSP. This position also serves as a liaison with internal and external auditors. This role requires knowledge of overall grant administration, cost principles and the ability to interpret sponsors  and University policies and guidelines.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Audit Support

• Assist with various audit activities for the annual Single Audit and other sponsored project audits.
• Retrieve data for and liaison with internal and external auditors.
• Prepare the Schedule of Expenditures on Federal Awards (SEFA) for the annual Single audit process using NUFinancials queries and existing Access databases.
• Assist with preparation of responses to audit findings, special reports, and requests for information.
• Monitor sub-recipient compliance in accordance with the Single Audit requirements.

General Compliance

• Serve as a liaison with ASRSP and other research administration to ensure consistency in interpretation of sponsor guidelines, research compliance and processes.
• Participate in identifying, developing, and maintaining institutional policies and procedures based on applicable federal, state, and local government regulations.
• Review sponsored project attributes that have direct impact on the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) reporting.
• Review expenditures charged to unallowable and restricted account codes in accordance with the Uniform Guidance cost principles section and assist with monitoring overall compliance with sponsored project terms and conditions.

Reporting and Transactions

• Assist Procurement and Payment Services (PPS) with small business reports and provide necessary budget statements on bi-annual basis. Function as a liaison between PPS and ASRSP /OSRSP.
• Assist with the preparation data and submission of various reports related to grant and contract compliance. Examples include, the Consolidated Year-End Financial Report (CYEFR), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Grant Close Out Report and the Financial Conflict of Interests (FCOI) Reports Chicago Department of Public Health Compliance Report.
• Assist with various aspects of the Effort reporting.

Departmental Support

• Perform user acceptance testing for system and report upgrades.
• Prepare and monitor exception reports for proactive monitoring and identification of errors and issues of non-compliance (i.e. overdraft reports, misaligned data reports, burn rate reports etc.).
• Prepare and submit notification emails for closeouts, project anniversary expense review reminder emails, and other various exception reports.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree (preferably in accounting, finance, or general business administration; or appropriate combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 1 year experience in financial administration of sponsored projects or compliance experience; acquired in a complex business, academic, or government work environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft computer programs/applications (including Word, Excel, Access, Outlook).

• Demonstrates sound judgment and is tactful and diplomatic.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively present information and respond to colleagues and others seeking guidance and/or clarification about issues related to organizational operations.
• Ability to develop proficiency with unfamiliar processes and systems through training as well as through own initiative.
• Data mining knowledge and aptitude.
• Works well in a high-volume and fast-paced environment.
• Positive and friendly attitude; able to work well independently and in a team setting.

• M.B.A. preferably in accounting, finance, or general business administration.
• Three years related experience in sponsored projects administration or compliance field.

• Knowledge of the Uniform guidance as it relates to federal regulations for sponsored projects.
• Experience working in a higher education institution, preferably Northwestern University; knowledge about university business policies and procedures; knowledge and experience with systems including People Soft Financials (NUFinancials), and Cognos.
• Proven ability to translate policy into procedures, training, and system requirements.

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