Project Administrator
SRI Education has an immediate need for a Project Administrator (PA). The Project Administrator will work with the Business Manager and the Financial Operations team to ensure that contracts/projects are managed to perform within budget, on-time, within scope, and with maximum cash generation, in order to provide for future investment to further SRI’s growth and mission.
The PA ensures that the project financial reports are in accordance with GAAP, FAR/CAS and SRI policy. The PA will support various programs and project leaders in the preparation of proposals and cost estimates, project setup, and maintenance with timely and accurate financial reporting. The PA performs financial analysis and reporting for the Division Business Manager, the Division Operations team, and partners with contracts, corporate accounting, and procurement groups among others, responding to queries from both internal organizations and external clients. Responsibilities include reviewing proposal requests, preparing cost estimates including estimating project cash flows., providing responses to internal and external financial audits and reviews, as well as reviewing contract provisions, financial forms and schedules. The PA will assist in Division budget preparation by maintaining project forecasts, review and approval of purchase orders, expense reports, and assisting Project Leaders and Business Managers by monitoring project financial status and project funding levels, escalating potential major financial impacts prior to their occurrence.
The PA will learn and perform the following functions with guidance and oversight from the Business Manager:
Execution
- Responsible for the Project Setup function; partnering with Accounting and Contracts to ensure projects are set up correctly:
- Charging structure collects costs appropriately
- Contractual obligations captured accurately
- Billing instructions per contract terms
- Revenue Recognition established accurately
- Understand all contractual requirements (deliverables), terms and conditions (invoice/payment schedules, start/end dates etc.) and all executed contracts/grants pertaining to projects controlled by division
- Maintain project plan/forecast by reviewing actual hours vs. planned vs. available personnel, bringing issues to the attention of the Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Manager (PM) and Business Manager
- Track project billing & accounts receivable (AR); verifying invoices are prepared and issued correctly, on time and per the contract/grant requirements, tracking invoicing, aging receivables and unbilled
- Prepare accruals for period-end and year-end close processes
- Provide approved estimates at completion, (EACs) to accounting as required
- Report on key metrics such as project cash position, risks in planned margin/revenue recognition rate (understanding fluctuations as compared to EAC)
- Identify, understand, and explain items that attribute to margin variances and notify PM/PI as well as all other departments concerned of potential issues or risks
- Develop reports for managers for indirect efforts such as investment, marketing, bid & proposal (hours and expense vs. budget)
- Prepare and submit client monthly performance measurement reports
- Monitor projects for 75% complete requirements, alert contracts team when notice is required
- Work with PIs/PMs preparing reports for monthly program and division reviews
- Monitor/make entries to customer resource management (CRM), preparing new business reports for periodic division review as a baseline for quarterly forecasts and annual plan
Planning
- Control project from assisting the PM/PI in developing an appropriate task/charge number structure (for both task management and contractual requirements) to executing the baseline plan plus updates as required
Pricing
- Work with PI/PM or capture manager to develop proposal and pricing strategy; support collection of material quotes, and labor cost
- Ensure proposals meet SRI’s policies
- Provide estimates/costing for indirect projects
- Participate in Proposal Review meetings to assist in explanation of pricing methodologies/strategies
Special Projects
- Lead/participate/contribute in process improvement efforts, including planned Costpoint and Adaptive software implementation, including data conversion and testing scenarios
- Develop consistent (across all Divisions) work instructions for common Project Administrator tasks/requirements
- Qualifications : BS/BA in business administration, accounting or finance, or 2-3 years of related experience in government contracting
- U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Strong proficiency in Excel, Word & PowerPoint and the desire to learn new software skills
- Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines and shifting demands
- Exemplary customer service skills
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve and ensure high quality through attention to details and requirements
- Discretion and maturity in dealing with confidential and sensitive information
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills
- A positive attitude with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Ability to be self-directed as well as work collaboratively in a team environment
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
Preference will be given to candidates who have:
- Experience with project budgets, variance analysis, financial reporting
- Experience in Costpoint/Deltek preferred
- Knowledge of government contracting management, proposal and costing regulations
- Understanding of proposal preparation, cost control, and project maintenance functions in both government contracting and commercial environments
- General knowledge of GAAP, CAS and FAR
- A knowledge of DHHS, NSF, or Dept of Education grant or contracting processes and procedures
SRI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute with a rich history of supporting government and industry. For 75 years, SRI has led the discovery and design of ground-breaking products, technologies, and industries – collaborating across technical and scientific disciplines to generate real innovation and create high value for our clients.
SRI Education, a division of SRI International, is helping federal and state agencies, school districts, major foundations, nonprofit organizations, and international and commercial clients tackle some of the most complex issues in education to help students succeed. Our mission is to reduce barriers, optimize outcomes, and ensure educational equity for all children, youth, and families. We do this by conducting high-quality research, supporting use of data and evidence, helping to strengthen state and local systems, and developing tools that improve teaching and accelerate and deepen learning.
For Colorado residents, the salary range is: $56,300 - $93,000
SRI has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/
SRI is committed to creating and celebrating a diverse workplace that recognizes and values differences, and reflects the communities where our employees live and where our clients operate. This includes valuing differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, body type/physical appearance, disability/differently abled and work styles, or any other legally protected category.
Other Requirements : --U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency Required