Financial Officer @ MIT
The Financial Officer is responsible for oversight of all financial operations for the Tata-MIT Alliance, including the annual budget process, sponsored program administration, development of financial strategies, and compliance with MIT policy. The role ensures the applicable School/Area or DLCIs is in compliance regarding administration/financial activities. Will advise and educate principal investigators (PIs) and staff on all aspects of sponsored activity financial administration. Financial Officer interprets MIT policies and agreement requirements pertaining to financial oversight and implements financial policy, procedure, and process improvements. The role also reviews and prepares financial reporting and administration,authorizes and oversees expenditures of the Tata-MIT Alliance in applicable School/Area(s) or DLCI(s) and is responsible for training financial staff on sponsored administration activities. The role coordinates internal and external audits and manages role authorizations for financial staff.
Specific duties include:
Manage sponsored program administration for the Tata-MIT Alliance.
Oversee the general budget for the Tata-MIT Alliance.
Handle complex journal voucher issues; develop budgets; provide analysis of financial scenarios, develop and propose short and long term financial management strategies, budget scenarios, reports, and projections as required. Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and semi-annual budget reports, budget forecasts, and financial analyses. Perform monthly and fiscal year-end closing processes. Coordinate internal and external audits.
Authorize and oversee expenditures of the Tata-MIT Alliance, ensuring compliance with MIT policy. With the Program Administrator, manage travel and related tracking processes for international and domestic travel related to the Tata-MIT Alliance.
Develop and present complex financial reports and forecasts for Principal Investigators and management. Track and manage proposals.
Perform strategic needs analysis, make recommendations for and implementations of financial systems to improve the overall efficiency of Tata-MIT Alliance’s financial operations.
Serve as a resource to the Tata-MIT Alliance for questions and guidance on financial matters.
Serve as a liaison between the departments and RAS, VPR, VPF, and various central administrators and offices.
Manage financial role authorizations for staff.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received:
The role will be supervised by the Executive Director and is expected to operate with a high degree of independence.
Supervision Exercised: None.
REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor‘s degree and minimum of five years’ progressive experience in international, industry, and other non-US Government sponsored financial administration/accounting or related field; experience in academic programs and administration, diligence, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong analytical and communications skills; discretion and tact; sound judgment and ability to quickly meet short turn-around times; proven customer service skills and ability to manage competing priorities and perform hands-on work in a team-based environment. Ability to learn changing technologies related to grants and contracts management required.
Knowledge of and experience with MIT financial systems and sponsored accounting especially helpful; broad understanding of Cognos Reports desired. Proven project management and design solution skills; prior experience of being a resource for others; advanced knowledge of Excel; knowledge of SAP or similar accounting package preferred.
Experience with Cognos, or Kuali Coeus preferred. Strong communication, organization, and computer skills are desired.