Federal Financial Analytics Jobs in Springfield, MA

The Senior Research Financial Analyst oversees a wide range of sponsored program financial activities, with a focus on complex reporting, compliance monitoring, and process optimization. Reporting to the Senior Director of Research Operations, this role serves as a subject matter expert for research financial systems and Grants Management, ensuring accurate, efficient, and compliant financial workflows. The position emphasizes internal financial operations, strategic improvements, and cross-functional collaboration, requiring strong attention to detail, advanced systems and reporting skills, and a commitment to maintaining regulatory and institutional compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sponsored program financial activities, including preparation of year-end audit documentation for assigned research entities.
• 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 within the financial systems to support accurate and timely reporting.
• Troubleshoot financial system issues, identify root causes, and recommend or implement improvements to enhance data integrity and efficiency.
• Coordinate year-end audit preparation and compliance reviews for sponsored programs, ensuring complete and accurate supporting documentation.
• Monitor federal and non-federal regulations related to sponsored programs and apply updates within financial systems and processes as needed.
• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert for research financial systems, including Grants Management modules.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to Research Financial Analyst I and II staff on complex financial issues, system usage, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and accuracy within research financial operations and lead initiatives to streamline workflows.
• Manage invoicing, cash draws, and accounts receivable processes for sponsored programs to ensure timely billing and collections.
• Prepare, review, correct, and submit journal entries, ensuring proper coding, documentation, and adherence to policies.
• Ensure strict adherence to system and departmental compliance policies, as well as all applicable laws, regulations, and sponsor requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Accounting, Sponsored Programs Administration, and other internal departments to ensure timely processing of journal entries, budget adjustments, and award closeouts.
• Champion change management initiatives to improve consistency, effectiveness, and scalability of financial operations.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance management support for assigned financial analysts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Analyze financial trends, identify risks or variances, and recommend solutions that support organizational and research program goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support research financial operations and evolving organizational needs.

• 5–7+ years of progressive financial management experience with sponsored programs or grants, including financial reporting, compliance, and audit support.
• Hands-on expertise with research financial systems and Grants Management modules, with the ability to configure, maintain, and optimize system attributes.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including complex reconciliations, data analysis, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance and audit requirements.
• Working knowledge of federal and non-federal grant regulations and compliance frameworks related to sponsored programs.
• Expertise in sponsored program accounting, budgeting, and compliance, including post-award financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and review complex financial reports, reconciliations, and analyses for sponsored programs.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and explain complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvements and adapt to evolving regulatory and operational requirements.
• Ability to analyze trends, identify risks, and recommend actionable solutions to support organizational goals.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is preferred but not required.
• Experience serving as a subject matter expert for financial systems and Grants Management modules.
• Experience mentoring, training, or providing performance support to junior financial analysts.
• Demonstrated success in coordinating year-end audit preparation and compliance reviews for sponsored programs.
• Experience leading or supporting change management initiatives within financial operations.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot system issues and collaborate with technical teams to implement enhancements.
• Strong aptitude for learning new financial systems and tools used in research finance.

This role operates in a hybrid work environment, with an expectation of working approximately two days remotely and three days on-site each week. The position is based within a large healthcare and research organization in Western Massachusetts, offering exposure to complex sponsored program portfolios and a robust internal infrastructure. You will work closely with colleagues in Accounting, Sponsored Programs Administration, and other internal departments in a professional office setting that emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and compliance. The environment is fast-paced and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and reporting. Standard business attire is typically expected when on-site, and you will use modern financial systems, Grants Management tools, and advanced Excel for daily work and analysis. The organization offers significant opportunities for career growth and professional development within research finance and broader financial operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Springfield, MA.

The pay range for this position is $36.28 - $49.37/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

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® Platinum Award 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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.