Budgets Coordinator

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $66,300.00 - $68,000

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range:

Position Summary

The Department of Surgery is seeking a Budget Coordinator (BC) to support the financial management of clinical research activities within the Clinical Research Core (“the Core”). The BC partners with clinical research teams, departmental Finance, the Clinical Trials Office, and Sponsored Projects Administration to analyze and manage study budgets, review study agreements, and support informed financial and operational decision-making.

The role requires the ability to exercise independent judgment in interpreting financial data, identifying risks, and ensuring accurate invoicing, payment processing, and budget tracking. The BC also contributes to financial reporting, process improvement, and the oversight of day-to-day financial operations, while providing guidance on finance-related processes.

This position reports to the Senior Director and requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills to effectively manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently analyze and manage the financial lifecycle of clinical research studies, ensuring alignment with departmental goals, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
• Evaluate study budgets for financial feasibility, identify risks, and recommend budget structures and cost recovery strategies prior to contract execution.
• Exercise independent judgment in monitoring and managing active study budgets, including resource allocation, prioritization, and adjustments based on operational needs.
• Initiate and implement budget amendments in response to protocol changes, workflow adjustments, and financial variances.
• Negotiate subject compensation and reimbursement models and determine appropriate payment methodologies based on study requirements and compliance considerations.
• Advise Principal Investigators and research leadership on budget management, financial risks, and operational decision-making related to clinical research activity.
• Monitor financial performance of studies, identify variances or trends, and recommend corrective actions or process improvements.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance of financial operations, resolving discrepancies and applying institutional and regulatory guidelines.
• Oversee day-to-day financial processes, including review and delegation of transactional activities, to ensure efficiency and adherence to standards.
• Collaborate with Finance, Sponsored Projects Administration, and the Clinical Trials Office, and provide training and guidance to support standardized financial practices across the Core.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-4 years of related experience preferred.
• Knowledge of CTMS, Adobe Pro, Velos, and CU Finance Platforms is preferred.

Other Requirements

Qualifications for Candidates include but are not limited to the following:

• Working knowledge of MS Office, specifically Word and Excel are required.
• Candidate will ensure integrity and compliance with all regulatory, institutional, and departmental requirements.
• The ability to take initiative and work independently is required.
• The ability to effectively work in a complex matrix is required.
• Outstanding writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) required.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions.
• Ability to foster a cooperative and collaborative work environment.
• The ability to be flexible with scheduling is mandatory; willingness to work evenings and weekend hours in unusual or emergent situations required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.