Finance Specialist II (Finance)

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please attach a cover letter and resume as a PDF.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

About George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing:

The George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs (US News & World Report) and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment. We seek greater representation of women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans in disciplines in which they have historically been underrepresented; to attract international students from a wider range of countries and backgrounds; to accelerate progress in building a faculty and staff who are diverse in background and thought, and we support an inclusive environment that fosters interaction and understanding within our diverse community.

Position Summary:

The Department of Bioengineering is seeking a skilled finance professional to manage special projects and post-award functions for Bioengineering's portfolio of large, complex grants and contracts within the school's financial operations. Independent, in-depth analysis and financial management to ensure the successful execution of research projects is required. This person acts as a liaison between the principal investigator, central administration, and the funder for complex, multi-investigator, or center grants and serves in an advisory capacity to faculty in the areas related to research administration. This position will work closely with the Bioengineering Executive Department Business Administrator and Finance and Business Manager to advance the strategic and operational goals of the department.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and a proactive, analytical mindset. This individual brings experience in research administration and post-award financial management and excels in fast-paced, collaborative environments that require sound judgment and a solid understanding of financial policies and systems. Serving as a key liaison among principal investigators, administrative staff, and funding agencies, the candidate effectively manages complex, multi-investigator grants and ensures compliance with research administration requirements. The role demands initiative, responsiveness, and the ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining excellent interpersonal and communication skills across diverse stakeholders.

Workplace Requirements:

The position entails work on Rice University's campus, with the potential for some remote work/flexible work arrangements. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: The position is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $56,000 - $61,900.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis, may be substituted
• 2+ years' experience in finance, accounting, or research administration

Preferred Experience:

• Experience managing STEM-related research grants and faculty funding
• Familiarity with the financial reporting needs of faculty in Engineering disciplines
• Prior experience working within Rice University systems and processes is strongly valued
• Management of personnel and grants/contracts with federal/state agencies (i.e., NIH/ARPA-H, NSF, DOD/DARPA, CPRIT, etc.)
• Advanced knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial systems
• Experience using Oracle-based platforms (or similar business systems) and virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom
• Working knowledge of research administration, including funding agency guidelines, regulations, and institutional compliance policies

Skills:

• Strong organizational and project management skills to effectively contribute to a multi-functional team environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain accurate and well-organized records
• Positive and adaptable approach to adopting digital tools, systems, and evolving institutional policies
• Advanced professional communication skills, with the ability to interact diplomatically with a wide range of stakeholders and clearly convey complex information to faculty, department chairs, deans, and central offices
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and experience with database and data analysis tools
• Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

Essential Functions:

• Performs complex financial and control functions, including multidimensional reconciliations, analysis of large data sets, and resolution of complex issues and transactions
• Conducts in-depth budget development and financial reporting, including annual budgets, sponsor progress reports, ad hoc reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Supports compliance and audit functions by managing internal control programs, researching and interpreting regulations, responding to audit inquiries, and coordinating annual financial conflict of interest disclosures
• Collaborates with faculty, administrators, and external partners to ensure accurate award management, effort reporting, labor distribution, cost-sharing commitments, and compliance with institutional and sponsor policies
• Leads or contributes to process improvements by identifying gaps, recommending policy or procedural changes, and maintaining a broader university perspective in decision-making
• Maintains and organizes operational documentation including desktop procedures, financial records, and reports; coordinates award close-out and supports system testing and requirements development
• Serves as a subject matter expert and liaison to Central Administration (pre- and post-award), internal audit, funding agencies, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders
• Performs other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.