Lab School Fiscal Officer

Department: Col of Ed and Human Development

Classification: Financial Svcs Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is an innovative, all-inclusive, and cutting-edge college that successfully prepares professionals to promote learning and development across the life span while contributing meaningfully to research in human and organizational performance as well as in the learning and developmental sciences. The college, with nearly 130 full-time faculty members, more than 300 part-time faculty members and nine academic divisions offers 27 academic programs, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, across its three schools, the School of Education, the School of Kinesiology and the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management. In addition, faculty engage in an extensive portfolio of research and are fully engaged in the community. The CEHD is ranked among the top 100 Colleges of Education in the world by the Shanghai ranking of world universities and is among the top tier in the rankings of the US News and World Report.

About the Position:

The Lab School Fiscal Officer is responsible for managing the financial operations of the Lab School, ensuring effective budget oversight, financial reporting, and compliance with university, state, and sponsor policies. This position plays a key role in supporting the Lab School’s financial health by providing strategic fiscal guidance, monitoring expenses, and supporting grant-funded projects. The Fiscal Officer works closely with faculty, staff, and leadership to ensure resources are allocated efficiently in support of the Lab School’s mission.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Budget Oversight 

• Develop, manage, and maintain the Lab School’s operating budget, ensuring alignment with programmatic goals and funding requirements;
• Track revenue and expenses across multiple funding sources, including state allocations, grants, and philanthropic contributions;
• Prepare detailed financial reports, forecasts, and analyses to inform decision-making;
• Collaborate with Leadership and supervisor to establish budget priorities, allocate resources, and identify cost-saving opportunities;
• Manage budget transfers, expenditure corrections, and journal entries to maintain accurate financial records; and
• Ensure proper allocation of funds across instructional programs and operational needs. 

Grants and Sponsored Project Management 

• Provide post-award financial management of Lab School grants, ensuring compliance with university policies, sponsor regulations, and project objectives;
• Monitor grant budgets, track expenditures, and provide financial projections to ensure funds are utilized appropriately;
• Partner with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to review award terms, manage financial reporting deadlines, and facilitate budget modifications; and
• Ensure timely submission of required financial reports and maintain organized records of grant-related financial activities. 

Procurement and Expense Management 

• Manage purchasing activities for the Lab School, ensuring compliance with university procurement policies;
• Oversee the processing of invoices, purchase orders, and reimbursements to ensure timely payments;
• Process payroll allocations, ensuring staffing expenses align with budgeted funding sources; and
• Support contract management by coordinating with vendors, ensuring agreements align with project budgets and university guidelines. 

Subaward and Partnership Management 

• Manage the financial administration of subawards and external partnerships tied to Lab School initiatives and other CEHD Centers, Institutes and Labs;
• Coordinate with subrecipients to ensure budget compliance, invoice submission, and financial reporting requirements are met;
• Review and approve subrecipient invoices, ensuring alignment with project deliverables and budgeted expenses; and
• Maintain communication with partners to ensure fiscal accountability and address any financial concerns. 

Compliance and Internal Controls

• Ensure all financial activities comply with university policies, sponsor regulations, and applicable state and federal guidelines;
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard funds and ensure financial accuracy;
• Support audit requests by providing clear documentation and detailed financial records;
• Assists with facilitating the financial performance reviews of CEHD Centers, Institutes and Labs; and
• Provide training and guidance to Lab School staff on financial policies, procedures, and best practices. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience managing and supporting budget development and financial planning process;
• Interpreting federal, state, university and sponsor specific guidelines, policies and procedures and terms and conditions and working with multiple faculty and support team members of all levels to ensure all responsibilities are handled in an accurate and timely manner (typically 5+ years);
• Experience in grant financial management and compliance;
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budget planning, and expense tracking;
• Proficiency with financial systems and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Banner, MicroStrategy, or similar platforms);
• Applicable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and business practices, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, Commonwealth of Virginia rules and regulations, agency/sponsor specific guidelines, George Mason policies and procedures as it relates to financial management, reporting and compliance, fiscal services, purchasing, travel, human resources, payroll, sponsored programs and research administration;
• Basic understanding of the type of the teaching, research, training, and outreach being performed within our unit;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Clear and effective communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail;
• Diplomacy;
• Process Improvement and Desire to achieve high outcomes;
• Problem-solving;
• Microsoft Excel, Word, Power Point, Adobe Acrobat, Internet skills and search tools;
• GMU applications such as Banner, Patriot Web, Workflow, Microstrategy, etc.;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities;
• Works calmly under pressure with a sustained level of accuracy and productivity;
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork and initiative. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and faculty and must be able to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a group or structured setting;
• Demonstrated ability to research, investigate, analyze and interpret award, fiscal and compliance requirements;
• Possess effective time management skills and be a quick learner to a variety of electronic systems used in this position;
• Strong focus on customer service, time management, teamwork, professionalism, accuracy and attention to detail is essential;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences; and
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working in a university, K-12 education, or research setting;
• Familiarity with George Mason University’s financial systems and procedures;
• Experience managing financial aspects of grants, subawards, and external partnerships; and
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or other relevant certification.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Lab School Fiscal Officer at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with CV for review.

Posting Open Date: August 6, 2025

Posting Close Date: August 20, 2025

Open Until Filled:  No