Grant Specialist I - Accounting

Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities and is located in Houston, Texas. The Grant Specialist I – Accounting plays a key role in the financial post-award administration of sponsored research, responsible for preparing federal drawdowns, invoicing sponsors, and managing accounts receivable for externally funded awards. Responsibilities Generate, review, and submit accurate and timely invoices for a variety of sponsors, including federal, state, local, and private funding agencies Prepare and submit federal drawdowns via PMS, ASAP, and other sponsor payment systems, ensuring compliance with grant terms and funding agency requirements Sponsored Projects Closeout and Account Reconciliations (A/R, cash, revenue, refunds) Ensure that federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, Rice University, and department policies and procedures are observed and followed Effectively assess and complete post-award activities for the sponsored programs community; plan, coordinate, and process post-award transactions Work collaboratively and effectively with the sponsored programs community Conduct clear and concise communications supporting the sponsored programs mission Manage sponsored projects post-award activities utilizing critical thinking, problem-solving, independent initiative, and facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork Serve as a post-award resource to the sponsored programs community on federal, industry, state, and non-profit awards as assigned Participate as a team member on selected projects Effectively foster personal and professional growth through a variety of educational and professional strategies Maintain accurate records of assigned sponsored program activities Skills Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of related experience Works effectively with others; helps others solve problems; promotes teamwork and cooperation among individuals and/or departments Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing Ability to diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision-making abilities Analyze accounting transactions and reconcile information Strong customer service skills Strong working knowledge of Excel Experience in research, invoicing, accounts receivable, or department administration Experience using research administration systems, including but not limited to federal government portals such as Payment Management System (PMS), ACM$ (Research.gov), FedConnect, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, and Cayuse Effectively plans work, considering time, deadlines, and support/resources required from other individuals and departments Provides input or specifies necessary figures, data, or guidance as needed Completes job responsibilities within the required timeframe, according to established schedules or workflow requirements Experience facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork Displays an ability to evaluate areas needing improvement and effectively communicates to department leadership Reviews and assesses information before making decisions and solving problems Uses proper judgment and knowledge of established practices and procedures when addressing problems or issues Company Overview Rice University is a private research university that focuses on providing undergraduate education services. It was founded in 1912, and is headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is Company H1B Sponsorship Rice University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 113 in 2025, 81 in 2024, 71 in 2023, 65 in 2022, 82 in 2021, 86 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.