Hellen Ndungu-Thara
Springfield
Summary
Dedicated research administrator with extensive experience in managing both pre-award and post-award activities for sponsored projects sponsor by various sponsoring agencies. These include NIH, NSF, DOD, PCORI, Commonwealth of PA, Philadelphia Department of Health, and numerous foundations.
Accomplished professional skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best meet overall team/organization's goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Grants Manager
University of Pennsylvania
09.2021 - Current
- Facilitate the preparation and submission of grant proposals for the Center.
- Advise and lead budget preparation along with ensuring that proposals follow the guidance provided by the sponsoring agency.
- Manage post award activities including account setup, monitor/review all sponsored projects.
- Facilitate monthly meetings with Principal Investigators to discuss and advise them on financial issues related to their portfolios.
- Ensure proper administration and compliance with terms and conditions of sponsored program awards as well as compliance with Federal guidelines and University policies and procedures.
- Oversee and review general ledger reconciliations; submit p-card reallocations, monthly journals and budget journals for new awards.
- Coordinate and oversee purchasing efforts for the Center and maintain related SOPs.
Grants and Contracts Financial Administrator
University of Pennsylvania
01.2018 - 08.2021
- Post award grant and contracts management of assigned portfolio equaling about 70 million for several divisions within the School of Medicine and the School of Arts and Sciences.
- Ensured proper administration and compliance with terms and conditions of sponsored program awards as well as compliance with Federal guidelines and University policies and procedures.
- Prepared and submitted financial statements and monthly invoices for multiple grants and contracts .
- Served as a liaison between the University and funding sponsors including serving as intermediary between Investigators, Business Administrators, and other University departments to ensure proper administration and compliance.
- Performed monthly review and closeout of expired grants and contracts and disabling of funds.
Senior Accountant
Urban Affairs Coalition
04.2009 - 01.2018
- Managed multiple grants from several funding sources which included federal, state and city for various program partners.
- Worked closely with program leaders to develop budgets during proposal development, grant applications and their annual budgets.
- Initiated and prepared account setup paperwork once a notice of award was received from the sponsor
- Analyzed, processed, and submitted accounts payable requests
- Responsible for determining budget availability and if costs were allowable before approving the payment vouchers .
- Reviewed payroll and submitted reallocation requests based on the actual effort as determined by the program leaders
- Reconciled accounts using MIP Sage accounting software to accrue expenses and prepared any required adjusting journal entries.
- Prepared and submitted monthly invoices and annual reports to sponsors
- Prepared monthly financial statements and met with program partners to review and discuss the status of each account including projections.
- Coordinated and facilitated quarterly meetings with program partners and sponsors.
- Assisted program leaders in collecting outstanding receivables from funding sponsors.
- Completed year-end closing processes with controller and external auditors.
- Assisted with onboarding and training new staff and program leaders.
- Assisted team members in transitioning to new system through extensive training and one-on-one support.
Interim Accountant
Fischer, Cunnane and Associates
01.2009 - 04.2009
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Prepared Individual and Corporate Tax Returns
- Prepared audit work papers and performed audit testing
- Prepared and faxed audit confirmations to various clients
- Prepared extension letters and forms.
- Assisted with filing completed tax returns and processing outgoing mail.
Business Affairs Associate
Chester County Community Foundation
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Facilitated outreach, education programs, and special event logistics.
- Processed Accounts Receivable and Payables.
- Researched, recommended and developed new initiatives to increase new sponsorships and grants.
- Financial data entry and grants/scholarship administration.
- Trained and supervised new interns.
- Assisted with phone reception and general office duties.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PAAssociates Degree - Business Administration
Delaware County Community College
Media, PACertificate in Data Analytics -
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PACertified Research Administrator
RACC
Westminster, COSkills
- Preparing Grant Proposals
- Budget Planning
- Internal Control Systems
- Risk Analysis
- Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
- Monthly Journal Entries
- Fiscal Reporting
- Closing Procedures
- Customer Accounts Management
- Customer Care
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Computer Skills: Business Objects, Ben Financials – Oracle, PennERA, Workday, R Studio, Sage MIP, Microix Workflow System, ProSystem FX, Fundware, Blackbaud Financial Edge, Raisers Edge, Microix Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint
Timeline
Grants Manager
University of Pennsylvania
09.2021 - Current
Grants and Contracts Financial Administrator
University of Pennsylvania
01.2018 - 08.2021
Senior Accountant
Urban Affairs Coalition
04.2009 - 01.2018
Interim Accountant
Fischer, Cunnane and Associates
01.2009 - 04.2009
Business Affairs Associate
Chester County Community Foundation
01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Associates Degree - Business Administration
Delaware County Community College
Certificate in Data Analytics -
University of Pennsylvania
Certified Research Administrator
RACC
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