Senior Research Financial Analyst

Job Title: Senior Research Financial Analyst

Job Description

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Research Operations, the Senior Research Financial Analyst oversees a broad range of responsibilities related to sponsored program financial reporting and activity management. This role manages complex sponsored program financial activities, including high-level reporting, compliance monitoring, and process optimization. The position serves as a subject matter expert for financial systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in research finance workflows. The role focuses on internal financial operations and strategic improvements, requiring strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn financial systems, and close collaboration with internal departments to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review complex financial reports, reconciliations, and analyses for sponsored programs, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Maintain and enhance Grants Management attributes to support accurate reporting; troubleshoot system issues and recommend improvements.
• Coordinate year-end audit preparation and compliance reviews; monitor federal and non-federal regulations and apply updates as a technical resource and mentor to Research Financial Analyst I and II staff, providing guidance on complex issues and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scalability; lead initiatives to streamline workflows and improve reporting accuracy.
• Manage invoicing, cash draws, and accounts receivable processes to ensure timely billing and collections.
• Prepare, review, correct, and submit journal entries.
• Ensure strict adherence to system and departmental compliance policies and all applicable laws and regulations.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance management support for assigned financial analysts.
• Collaborate closely with Accounting, Sponsored Programs Administration, and other internal departments to ensure timely processing of journal entries, budget adjustments, and closeouts.
• Champion change management initiatives to improve consistency, effectiveness, and scalability of financial operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support research financial operations.

Essential Skills

• 5–7+ years of progressive financial management experience with sponsored programs or grants, including financial reporting, compliance, and audit support.
• Hands-on expertise with financial systems, particularly Grants Management, plus advanced Excel skills to support complex reconciliations, reporting, and analysis.
• Working knowledge of federal and non-federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance, audit requirements, and compliance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree or CPA is preferred, not required.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Expertise in sponsored program accounting, budgeting, and compliance.
• Ability to analyze trends, identify risks, and recommend solutions to support organizational goals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and adapt to evolving regulatory and operational requirements.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work environment with 2 days remote and 3 days on-site. The role provides an opportunity to join a massive healthcare organization in Western Massachusetts with significant opportunity for career growth within the organization.

If you're interested in learning more about this opportunity, email me at fbambery@astoncarter.com.

This is a Permanent position based out of Springfield, MA.

The pay range for this position is $75546.00 - $102690.00/yr.

Benefits will be provided to each candidate once an offer is extended.

This is a hybrid position in Springfield,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 18, 2026.

About Aston Carter:

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.