Research Accountant [CAMPUS ONLY recruitment]

Summary

The University of California, Santa Cruz is a public research university supporting a broad research enterprise through its Office of Research. The Research Accountant independently manages extramural funding, including award setup, financial oversight, billing, reporting, compliance, and closeout. The role also advises faculty and research staff on sponsor and university policies and provides financial analysis and decision support.

Responsibilities

• As directed by supervisor, provides oversight for fiscal management of sponsored awards
• Authorizes the establishment of fund accounts, including relevant activity codes, and coordinates approval with other authorized campus partners
• Set-up of sponsored awards in the campus financial system, including accurate IDC
• Monitors and provides oversight to ensure project expenses are in alignment with approved budgets, sponsor requirements, and campus financial system records
• Independently gathers information as needed to perform financial analysis
• Provides guidance for actions requiring coordination with sponsors and campus authorized officials, and coordinates such institutional actions when needed
• Assists in support of audit as directed by senior staff
• Ensures the accuracy of records and financial files and that all appropriate documentation and authorizations are maintained to comply with federal and state agencies and university regulations
• Closes out extramural fund accounts at the end of the project period, and ensures all institutional obligations have been met
• Prepares and submits financial reports that are required by sponsor guidelines
• Maintains a working knowledge of university procurement and financial management systems
• Responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, letter of credit drawdowns, billing, application of revenue, and accurate and timely closeout for extramural awards within a designated assignment
• Provides oversight for cost transfers and adjustments to ensure costs comply with sponsor and university policy
• Identifies and corrects transactional discrepancies in collaboration with Research Financial Services, and ensures accurate application of institutional rates
• Coordinates research-related interlocation transfers
• Suggests changes for systems and processes to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden
• Reviews and interprets award terms and conditions provided by extramural sponsors, and ensures awards are set up and managed in accordance with relevant terms
• Advises campus partners in determining proper use of funds according to funder, institutional, and UC guidelines and policy
• Analyzes and applies agency guidelines and University policy when providing fund oversight, including review of journals, cost transfers, rebudgeting, and other account management adjustments
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in research administration
• Provides guidance on complex research administration matters, including compliance regulations, to PIs and campus partners
• Ensures continuity of support, timely response, and resolution of inquiries and award actions
• Serves as the first point of contact for portfolio management as assigned
• Coordinates with the Office of Research, Research Financial Services, Financial Affairs, and other campus partners to resolve issues

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of sponsor, UC, and institutional research administration policies and guidelines, with ability to interpret and apply to research portfolio management
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and accounting to ensure fiscal accountability and adherence to internal controls
• Thorough knowledge of applicable research administration compliance requirements
• Demonstrated competence in the use of financial systems and tools, including spreadsheets and database software, in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports
• Demonstrated independent judgement, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess a situation and provide a solution
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage a significant volume of work with a strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated written communication skills with the ability to explain requirements in a comprehensive and organized manner
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills
• Customer service focus and solid interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships
• Demonstrated ability to function independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement
• This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in-person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting
• Experience with campus systems, such as financial management, payroll/personnel software, purchasing, data warehouse, and reporting

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of sponsor, UC, and institutional research administration policies and guidelines, with ability to interpret and apply to research portfolio management
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning, analysis, budgeting, and accounting to ensure fiscal accountability and adherence to internal controls
• Thorough knowledge of applicable research administration compliance requirements
• Demonstrated competence in the use of financial systems and tools, including spreadsheets and database software, in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports
• Demonstrated independent judgement, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess a situation and provide a solution
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage a significant volume of work with a strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated written communication skills with the ability to explain requirements in a comprehensive and organized manner
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills
• Customer service focus and solid interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships
• Demonstrated ability to function independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction
• Demonstrated ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule. If a hybrid work schedule is confirmed, the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement
• This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in-person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting

Nice to Haves

• Experience with campus systems, such as financial management, payroll/personnel software, purchasing, data warehouse, and reporting

Benefits

• Full benefits
• This is a fully remote position
• The selected candidate has the option to work a hybrid work schedule
• Required training, including UC compliance training