Finance Manager/Finance Coordinator, CIRES
University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
Job Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) seeks a Finance Manager/Finance Coordinator with experience in research post‑award administration. The role delivers high‑quality post‑award support services to CIRES Principal Investigators and research personnel, serving as a primary liaison to CU’s Procurement Service Center, Office of Contracts and Grants, the Campus Controller’s Office, the Research & Innovation Office, various campus departments, and external funding agencies. The position covers all financial aspects of sponsored and non‑sponsored funding for the institute.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to treating all individuals with respect and dignity. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Who We Are
CIRES is part of the University of Colorado Boulder and partners with NOAA. We employ more than 900 people and conduct research in weather, climate, wildfire, water, Earth’s poles, air quality, and solid earth sciences. Our researchers work across CU Boulder departments and NOAA laboratories.
Mission
To conduct innovative research that advances understanding of the global, regional, and local environments and the human relationship with those environments for the benefit of society.
Vision
To be an international leader in cross‑cutting environmental research, bridging fundamental science and service to society, and fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
Responsibilities
Sponsored Projects Management (25%)
– Interpret award terms, prepare necessary award actions, conduct kick‑off meetings, maintain communication with PIs, manage financial aspects, and ensure compliance with funding agency and CU policies.
Collaboration with PI/Supervisors and CIRES HR (10%)
– Facilitate new hires, manage salary assignments, verify funding adequacy, and submit funding distributions.
Reconciliation, Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Project Projections (50%)
– Review funding levels, conduct expense reconciliations, encumber future expenses, generate ad hoc reports, and prepare necessary award actions.
Procurement (10%)
– Determine payment methods, provide necessary documentation, approve PCARD reports, and monitor PCARD transactions for compliance.
Other (5%)
– Back up team members, participate in campus initiatives, and attend training.
What You Should Know
Hybrid work modality: minimum 2 days per week in‑person, with potential in‑person requirement during training.
What We Can Offer
Finance Coordinator salary range: $58,200–$72,800
Finance Manager salary range: $65,500–$81,900
Relocation funds may be available for eligible candidates.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for employees and dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. Additional perks are available through the CU Advantage program.
Finance Coordinator Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
One year of experience in research administration, finance, accounting, or related experience.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
Finance Manager Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Three years of experience in research administration, finance, accounting, or related experience.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
What You Will Need
Discretion and independent work ability.
Capability to manage a high volume of work across multiple sponsors and award instruments.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining high customer service standards.
Effective communication of award terms and conditions, with options for achieving objectives when spending restrictions apply.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to navigate finance and university systems.
Research skills for complex or opaque policies and sound judgment in evaluating expenditures.
Team collaboration and creative problem‑solving to improve efficiency and compliance.
What We Would Like You To Have
Familiarity with financial systems such as PeopleSoft, Concur, Marketplace, HCM, or similar.
Experience with federal agency electronic systems: Research.gov (NSF), NSPIRES (NASA), Grants.gov/Workspace (DOE, Commerce, Ag), NIH Assist, and eRA Commons (NOAA).
Application
Current resume.
Cover letter specifically addressing how your background aligns with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
Apply by May 5, 2026, through CU Boulder Jobs. Application materials will not be accepted via email.
Compliance
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you may redact age‑identifying information from submitted materials. Redaction will not result in penalization.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) seeks a Finance Manager/Finance Coordinator with experience in research post‑award administration. The role delivers high‑quality post‑award support services to CIRES Principal Investigators and research personnel, serving as a primary liaison to CU’s Procurement Service Center, Office of Contracts and Grants, the Campus Controller’s Office, the Research & Innovation Office, various campus departments, and external funding agencies. The position covers all financial aspects of sponsored and non‑sponsored funding for the institute.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to treating all individuals with respect and dignity. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Who We Are
CIRES is part of the University of Colorado Boulder and partners with NOAA. We employ more than 900 people and conduct research in weather, climate, wildfire, water, Earth’s poles, air quality, and solid earth sciences. Our researchers work across CU Boulder departments and NOAA laboratories.
Mission
To conduct innovative research that advances understanding of the global, regional, and local environments and the human relationship with those environments for the benefit of society.
Vision
To be an international leader in cross‑cutting environmental research, bridging fundamental science and service to society, and fostering a positive, inclusive culture.
Responsibilities
Sponsored Projects Management (25%)
– Interpret award terms, prepare necessary award actions, conduct kick‑off meetings, maintain communication with PIs, manage financial aspects, and ensure compliance with funding agency and CU policies.
Collaboration with PI/Supervisors and CIRES HR (10%)
– Facilitate new hires, manage salary assignments, verify funding adequacy, and submit funding distributions.
Reconciliation, Financial Analysis, Reporting, and Project Projections (50%)
– Review funding levels, conduct expense reconciliations, encumber future expenses, generate ad hoc reports, and prepare necessary award actions.
Procurement (10%)
– Determine payment methods, provide necessary documentation, approve PCARD reports, and monitor PCARD transactions for compliance.
Other (5%)
– Back up team members, participate in campus initiatives, and attend training.
What You Should Know
Hybrid work modality: minimum 2 days per week in‑person, with potential in‑person requirement during training.
What We Can Offer
Finance Coordinator salary range: $58,200–$72,800
Finance Manager salary range: $65,500–$81,900
Relocation funds may be available for eligible candidates.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for employees and dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. Additional perks are available through the CU Advantage program.
Finance Coordinator Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
One year of experience in research administration, finance, accounting, or related experience.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
Finance Manager Requirements
Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Three years of experience in research administration, finance, accounting, or related experience.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
What You Will Need
Discretion and independent work ability.
Capability to manage a high volume of work across multiple sponsors and award instruments.
Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining high customer service standards.
Effective communication of award terms and conditions, with options for achieving objectives when spending restrictions apply.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to navigate finance and university systems.
Research skills for complex or opaque policies and sound judgment in evaluating expenditures.
Team collaboration and creative problem‑solving to improve efficiency and compliance.
What We Would Like You To Have
Familiarity with financial systems such as PeopleSoft, Concur, Marketplace, HCM, or similar.
Experience with federal agency electronic systems: Research.gov (NSF), NSPIRES (NASA), Grants.gov/Workspace (DOE, Commerce, Ag), NIH Assist, and eRA Commons (NOAA).
Application
Current resume.
Cover letter specifically addressing how your background aligns with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
Apply by May 5, 2026, through CU Boulder Jobs. Application materials will not be accepted via email.
Compliance
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, you may redact age‑identifying information from submitted materials. Redaction will not result in penalization.
#J-18808-Ljbffr