Research Finance Assessment Lead

AlphaGov is assembling a consulting team for a university engagement and seeks an experienced Sponsored Research Finance Assessment Lead to evaluate the financial and operational practices supporting the institution’s sponsored research enterprise.

You will lead the assessment, work directly with university stakeholders, and translate findings into practical recommendations that strengthen financial oversight, improve research administration, and support effective grant management.

What you’ll do

• Lead an end-to-end assessment of sponsored research finance, including pre-award and post-award processes, grants accounting, cost allocation, and financial reporting.
• Evaluate processes and controls supporting compliance with applicable federal requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), documentation of personnel expenses, cost allowability, and facilities and administrative (F&A) cost recovery.
• Review the grants lifecycle, from proposal budgeting and award setup through subrecipient monitoring and closeout.
• Interview research administration, finance, and departmental stakeholders to understand current practices, responsibilities, and operational challenges.
• Document workflows, identify control gaps and bottlenecks, and assess opportunities to improve coordination.
• Benchmark operations against relevant peer institutions and established research administration practices.
• Develop a clear findings report and implementation roadmap with prioritized recommendations, sequencing, estimated costs, and resource needs.
• Present findings to senior university leadership and help stakeholders understand the decisions and actions required.

Requirements

• At least seven years of experience in sponsored research finance, sponsored programs administration, or research administration finance.
• Experience completing at least two comparable assessments, audits, or consulting engagements for universities or academic research institutions within the past five years.
• Strong knowledge of the full grants lifecycle, including proposal budgeting, award management, grants accounting, subrecipient monitoring, and closeout.
• Working knowledge of Uniform Guidance, federal cost principles, personnel expense documentation, and F&A rate structures.
• Ability to assess both financial controls and the operational processes behind them.
• Experience presenting findings and recommendations to senior leaders, including chief financial officers and vice presidents for research.
• Strong analytical, writing, interviewing, and project leadership skills.
• Preferred background
• Consulting or advisory experience is preferred. University research administration and finance leaders with relevant assessment experience are also encouraged to apply.