JEANNE M. CONNELLY
Tucson,USA
Summary
Analytical and results driven professional with comprehensive experience managing high-stakes, multimillion-dollar NSF and NIH-funded programs within top-tier academic institutions. Renowned for delivering 100% on time, audit-ready federal financial reporting and driving process improvements across the full grant lifecycle, from pre-award strategy and proposal development to post-award reconciliation and compliance. Demonstrated ability in budgeting, forecasting, and financial systems management. Recognized for offering high-touch, customer-focused support that drives financial clarity and accountability across departments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Accountant II – All of Us Research Program, Dept of Senior Vice President of Health Sciences
The University of Arizona
01.2023 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive monthly reconciliations and year-end post-award financial reporting for multimillion-dollar NIH-funded initiatives. Compile and submit federal grant financial statements with strict adherence to sponsor timelines and regulatory standards. Oversee financial workflows, including payroll distribution, transaction approvals, travel expenditures, and operational cash advances.
- Key Contributions:
- Achieved 100% on-time compliance for all federal financial report submissions, including detailed NIH documentation.
- Resolved financial inquiries through in-depth analysis, enhancing reporting accuracy and cross-departmental communication.
- Streamlined participant payment operations by designing and applying revolving advance systems, reducing processing delays.
Research Administrator
School of Anthropology, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led pre-award administration by analyzing program announcements, developing compliant proposals and budgets, and managing institutional routing through UAccess Research. Navigated complex internal systems for timely and accurate submission of research proposals aligned with sponsor and university guidelines. Coordinated with Sponsored Project Services and Principal Investigators to facilitate seamless setup of new and continuing grant awards.
- Key Contributions:
- Augmented proposal processing time by boosting UAccess Research workflows and eliminating redundant documentation steps.
- Advanced cross-functional coordination by establishing clear communication channels between faculty and SPS, improving award setup accuracy and turnaround.
Finance and Accounting Associate
James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Executed financial reporting, transaction processing, and travel reimbursements through UAccess systems, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery for faculty and administrative teams. Supported proposal development, budget planning, and purchasing coordination in partnership with the Research and Financial Manager. Maintained lab access controls and safety equipment records to uphold compliance standards and operational efficiency.
- Key Contributions:
- Managed comprehensive reconciliation of PI accounts across multiple funding streams, guaranteeing full compliance with UA, sponsor, and federal guidelines.
- Leveraged UAccess expertise to streamline financial workflows across Financials, Analytics, Employee, and Research modules.
- Enhanced research operations by contributing to proposal budget planning and procurement processes for federally funded optical science initiatives.
Accountant
James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Rendered strategic budget analysis and reconciliation support to Principal Investigators, offering data-driven insights on variances and corrective actions. Administered high-volume financial operations through UAccess, including purchasing, PCard reconciliation, disbursement vouchers, and travel reimbursements. Served as payroll time coordinator for 300+ employees and oversaw financial data entry completed by student employees.
- Key Contributions:
- Ensured regulatory compliance by reconciling complex PI accounts spanning state, sponsored, gift, and discretionary funds.
- Trained and supervised 2 Eller College student employees, elevating workflow and upholding 100%-time approval compliance.
- Increased operational efficiency by refining financial transaction processes in UAccess, minimizing delays and error rates.
Administrative Associate
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided high-level administrative and operational support for the department, promoting efficiency in daily activities and easing Principal Investigators across a wide range of tasks. Adeptly deal with personnel processes, including new hire onboarding, H1-B visa documentation, and job postings via UAccess Employee/Workforce systems, assuring seamless staffing transitions.
- Key Contributions:
- Headed new hire and visa processing workflows, accelerating staff integration and reducing delays in department operations.
- Improved accuracy and timeliness of financial reconciliation processes, confirming adherence to university policies and fostering transparency in financial reporting.
- Monitored and reconciled financial transactions, including PCard expenses, disbursement vouchers, and travel reports, ensuring full compliance with university guidelines.
Accountant, Associate
Facilities Management
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Led the resolution of complex billing issues and inquiries within the FIMA system, assuring quick and exact responses to financial discrepancies. Managed semi-monthly billing cycles, producing financial reports and data visualizations for the Associate VP to enable data-driven decisions.
- Key Contributions:
- Directed and trained student worker, boosting office productivity by streamlining data entry and filing tasks.
- Oversaw the processing of UAccess Financial transactions, including PCard, disbursement vouchers (DVs), General Expense Corrections (GECs), travel reimbursements, and interdepartmental billings (IBs).
Administrative Coordinator
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Delivered critical administrative support to the Executive Vice President and a team of over 300 agents within a dynamic real estate environment. Streamlined internal and external communication processes, ensuring seamless operations. Conducted in-depth audits of financial transactions for compliance with real estate laws at both the state and federal levels. Facilitated the Accounting Department in handling transaction records related to commissions and fees with precision and accuracy. Managed personnel records, including state licensing and ethics course documentation, in strict adherence to company policies and legal standards.
- Key Contributions:
- Monitored communication systems for a large team of agents, improving operational flow and responsiveness across the office.
- Administered the processing and distribution of all incoming and outgoing mail, guaranteeing prompt and right communication for internal and external partners.
- Developed and supported precise personnel records, including state licensing and ethics courses, confirming regulatory compliance for all agents.
Education
Associate Degree -
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL01.2017
Business & Accounting Courses
The University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ01.2017
Skills
- Financial Reporting & Variance Analysis
- Budget Development & Forecasting
- Financial Reconciliation
- Grant Budgeting
- Accounting & Finance
- Expense Coding
- Grant Funding Compliance
- Financial Auditing Preparation
- Forecasting Techniques
- Workflow Optimization
- General Ledger Review
- Financial Compliance
- Internal Controls
Websites
Timeline
Accountant II – All of Us Research Program, Dept of Senior Vice President of Health Sciences
The University of Arizona
01.2023 - Current
Research Administrator
School of Anthropology, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
01.2022 - 01.2023
Finance and Accounting Associate
James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences
01.2021 - 01.2022
Accountant
James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences
01.2019 - 01.2021
Administrative Associate
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
01.2018 - 01.2019
Accountant, Associate
Facilities Management
01.2014 - 01.2018
Administrative Coordinator
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty
01.2011 - 01.2014
Business & Accounting Courses
The University of Arizona
Associate Degree -
College of DuPage