The Cash Application Analyst is a key member of the Research Financial Operations team at Boston University. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Accounts Receivable and Cash Operations, the Cash Application Analyst is responsible for the accurate and timely application of payments related to our sponsored programs portfolio. This role ensures that sponsor payments are properly recorded, reconciled, and aligned with award terms and institutional policies. The analyst collaborates closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs, and the Research Financial Operations team to resolve payment discrepancies and support financial compliance.
Major duties of this position also include:
- Upload daily bank files into the financial system. Investigate and resolve unmatched payments using remittance advice, sponsor communication or internal records. Escalate unresolved items timely and appropriately.
- Apply incoming payments (ACH, wire, checks) to sponsored research accounts in accordance with award terms and University policies.
- Reconcile sponsor payments against invoices and award records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal, state, and sponsor-specific guidelines.
- Investigate and resolve payment discrepancies, overpayments, and unapplied funds in collaboration with internal departments and external sponsors.
- Maintain detailed documentation of payment activity and support audit readiness for sponsored research accounts.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of policies, procedures, and internal controls related to incoming payments.
- Support system upgrades and automation initiatives to improve efficiency and data integrity.
- Assist management with ad hoc projects, property data analysis, and other related assignments as required.
Skills
- Bachelors degree in a related field
- 2 -3 years of work experience, preferably in a university or cash management environment.
- Strong organizational, time management, written and verbal communication skills.
- Must be highly detail oriented with the ability to multi-task and prioritize routine tasks and ad-hoc requests.
- Intermediate skills utilizing Excel, including complex formulas to acquire, organize, and analyze data.
- Ability to work (both independently and in conjunction with others) effectively and cooperatively in a small, collegial team environment.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with analyzing detailed records, legacy accounting systems, and SAP.
Benefits/Other Information
Boston University's generous benefits package includes health, dental, life insurance, and paid time off! Full-time employees are also eligible for tuition remission for courses at Boston University. Note: the remission benefit extends to dependents as well. For more details on benefits, please refer to the Boston University benefits page at https://www.bu.edu/hr/employee-resources/benefits/. The department of Financial Affairs at Boston University values intellectual, cultural, and social diversity among its staff and students. We remain steadfast in our dedication to building a team that is inclusive and equitable and a place where all constituents can thrive.
For all positions, we are looking for individuals who enjoy working with colleagues in a collaborative environment and who are flexible and creative. We strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups who share our interest in serving a university community with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities.
Interested applicants are asked to upload a resume, list of references (if available), and submit a cover letter addressed to 'Hiring Manager Cash Application Analyst position'. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
