State Role Title: Financial Services Specialist I
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) - Financial Administration
Department: 539001 - Sponsored Programs Accounting
Pay Band: 4
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $56,000-$60,000
Is this a JMU only position? Yes. This is a JMU only recruitment, only current JMU employees are eligible to apply.
Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 8/26/2026
About JMU:
At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.
Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
- Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
- Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
- Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
- Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information:
In an effort to foster the development of a grant-seeking culture at JMU, the Office of Sponsored Programs-Financial Services (OSP-FS) is searching for a Financial Administrator Senior to perform 'post award' analysis and monitoring functions for sponsored projects, maintaining compliance with university, federal, state regulations in accordance with American Institute of Certified Public Accounts generally accepted accounting polices and procedures. The Financial Administrator Senior will manage sponsored program awards by analyzing/verifying compliance with applicable regulations and ensure project budgets, indirect cost charges, cost-sharing obligations, and university legal liabilities are meeting established guidelines.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Aids in post-award management of grants, agreements, and contracts by reflecting transactions accurately in the university general ledger as well as maintaining compliance with university, federal, state and grantor policies, resulting in unqualified audit opinions and the university meeting management standards. This position will support two of the largest externally-funded colleges
- Serves as the primary contact addressing issues and questions regarding post award sponsored program administration using the current electronic research administration system Cayuse. Reviews award requirements and applicable federal, state and university policies and procedures and provides timely, accurate, and courteous responses to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and a high level of customer satisfaction
- Assists in the cash management of sponsored programs by generating invoices and sponsor required forms; preparing and maintaining accounts receivable balances and billing ledgers; monitoring expenditure transactions against the award budget and university purchasing regulations; acting as the primary point of contact for invoice inquiries from the sponsor and other university departments
- Reconciles federal awards monthly and generates required paperwork to request federal draws from the University Business Office
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including written and oral communication and the ability to write and speak effectively and compose and edit essential documents for clarity and content
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, including the ability to create complex spreadsheets and generate reports
- Ability to organize and prioritize large volumes of work with attention to detail and work effectively and independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Ability to maintain detailed, accurate records and files
- Must be customer service oriented
- Prior experience with electronic research systems; specifically, experience with Cayuse would be beneficial
Additional Considerations:
- Knowledge of fund accounting and budget preparation procedures
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statement preparation
- Knowledge of federal regulations regarding the management of grants and contracts
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or [email protected]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
